Lexical Summary suzéteó: To discuss, to dispute, to debate, to question Original Word: συζητέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dispute, enquire, question, reason together. From sun and zeteo; to investigate jointly, i.e. Discuss, controvert, cavil -- dispute (with), enquire, question (with), reason (together). see GREEK sun see GREEK zeteo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and zéteó Definition to examine together, hence to dispute NASB Translation argue (1), argued (1), arguing (3), debated (1), discuss (1), discussing (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4802: συζητέωσυζητέω (L T Tr WH συνζητέω (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συζήτω; imperfect 3 person singular συνεζήτει; a. to seek or examine together (Plato). b. in the N. T. to discuss, dispute (question (A. V. often)): absolutely (Mark 12:28); Luke 24:15; τίνι, with one, Mark 8:11; Mark 9:14 (R G L); Acts 6:9; in the same sense πρός τινα, Mark 9:14 (T Tr WH), 16 (where read πρός αὐτούς, not with Rec.bez elz G πρός αὑτούς (see αὑτοῦ, p. 87)); Acts 9:29, πρός ἑαυτούς (L Tr WH marginal reading or πρός αὑτούς Rbez elz G) equivalent to πρός ἀλλήλους, Mark 1:21 (where T WH text simply αὐτούς as subjunctive); πρός ἑαυτούς with the addition of an indirect question τό τίς etc. with the optative (cf. Buttmann, § 139, 60; Winer's Grammar, § 41 b. 4c.), Luke 22:23; τί, with the indicative, Mark 9:10. Strong’s 4802 describes verbal interaction that ranges from courteous questioning to vigorous debate. Every New Testament occurrence links the verb to a moment when truth is being weighed, contested, or clarified. Association with Rabbinic and Synagogue Disputation First–century Jewish life prized theological dialogue. Synagogue services commonly ended with question-and-answer exchanges, and travelling teachers were expected to defend their views in open disputation. In Acts 6:9 Luke records, “But some men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen … rose up and disputed with Stephen.” The same pattern re-appears in Acts 9:29, where Saul “talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews.” These scenes portray the early church stepping into recognized public forums to present the gospel, showing that Christianity from its inception engaged prevailing ideas rather than retreating from them. Encounters with the Authority of Jesus Mark preserves several episodes in which religious specialists challenge Jesus. Mark 8:11: “Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him, and they asked Him for a sign from heaven.” Mark 9:14 depicts scribes “arguing” with the disciples after an exorcism attempt, and Jesus’ arrival immediately reorients the dispute. In each case the debate exposes human impotence and Christ’s sovereign power. Even positive curiosity is reshaped when Jesus speaks; after hearing His answer, the scribe in Mark 12:28-34 moves from dispute to affirmation of the greatest commandment. Disciples’ Intra-Community Dialogue The same verb also describes believers weighing matters they do not yet understand. In every instance, honest dialogue becomes the setting for fresh revelation. The risen Christ meets confused disciples on the road; the indwelling Spirit later guides the church into all truth. Apostolic Apologetics Stephen and Paul illustrate the evangelistic face of disputation. Stephen’s bold defense (Acts 6) provokes martyrdom yet plants seeds for Saul’s conversion. Afterward, the transformed Saul “debated with the Hellenistic Jews” (Acts 9:29) until threats forced him to flee. Spirit-filled argument, therefore, is not quarrelsome self-assertion but reasoned testimony to the risen Lord. Theological Themes 1. Revelation versus Human Reason: Human debate often stalls in speculation, but divine revelation settles the issue (Mark 9:16-27). Practical Ministry Lessons • Engage Culture Thoughtfully: Following apostolic example, believers can enter intellectual arenas with confidence that Scripture supplies coherent answers. Historical Background Greco-Roman education prized rhetoric, while Judaism honored midrashic dialogue. The New Testament church inherited both streams, yet subordinated them to the revelation of Jesus Christ. Consequently, early Christian argumentation combined rigorous logic with prophetic proclamation. Conclusion The ten New Testament occurrences of Strong’s 4802 reveal that God often advances His purposes amid earnest conversation and even heated debate. Whether silencing demons, clarifying doctrine, or defending the gospel before hostile audiences, the people of God are called to speak truth boldly, humbly, and always with a view to exalting Christ. Englishman's Concordance Mark 1:27 V-PNAGRK: ἅπαντες ὥστε συζητεῖν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς NAS: so that they debated among themselves, KJV: insomuch that they questioned among INT: all so that they questioned among themselves Mark 8:11 V-PNA Mark 9:10 V-PPA-NMP Mark 9:14 V-PPA-AMP Mark 9:16 V-PIA-2P Mark 12:28 V-PPA-GMP Luke 22:23 V-PNA Luke 24:15 V-PNA Acts 6:9 V-PPA-NMP Acts 9:29 V-IIA-3S Strong's Greek 4802 |
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