Lexical Summary sumbibazó: To unite, to bring together, to instruct, to prove Original Word: συμβιβάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to hold together, to instructFrom sun and bibazo (to force; causative (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach -- compact, assuredly gather, intrust, knit together, prove. see GREEK sun see GREEK basis HELPS Word-studies 4822 symbibázō (from 4862 /sýn, "identified with" and 1688 /embibázō, "to board a ship") – properly, bring together (combine), "causing to stride together" (TDNT); (figuratively) to grasp a truth by intertwining ideas needed to "get on board," i.e. come to the necessary judgment (conclusion); "to prove" (J. Thayer). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and the caus. form of the same as basis Definition to join together, hence to consider, by ext. to teach NASB Translation concluded (1), concluding (1), held (1), held together (1), instruct (1), knit together (1), proving (1), together* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4822: συμβιβάζωσυμβιβάζω (WH συνβιβάζω (so Tdf. in Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19); cf. σύν, II. at the end); 1 aorist βυνεβίβασα (Acts 19:33 L T Tr WH, but see below); passive, present participle συμβιβαζόμενος; 1 aorist participle συμβιβασθεις; (βιβάζω to mount the female, copulate with her; to leap, cover, of animals; allow to be covered, admit to cover); 1. to cause to coalesce, to join together, put together: τό σῶμα, passive, of the parts of the body 'knit together' into one whole, compacted together, Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; to unite or knit together in affection, passive, Colossians 2:2 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 63, 2 a.; Buttmann, § 144, 13 a.) (to reconcile one to another, Herodotus 1, 74; Thucydides 2, 29). 2. to put together in one's mind, to compare; by comparison to gather, conclude, consider: followed by ὅτι, Acts 16:10 (Plato, Hipp., min., p. 369 d.; de rep. 6, p. 504 a.). 3. to cause a person to unite with one in a conclusion or come to the same opinion, to prove, demonstrate: followed by ὅτι, Acts 9:22 ((Aristotle, top. 7, 5, p. 151a, 36); followed by ὡς (Aristotle, rhet. Alex. 4, p. 1426a, 37: etc.); Jamblichus, vit. Pythagoras c. 13 § 60; followed by the accusative with infinitive, Ocellus Lucanus, 3, 3); by a usage purely Biblical, with the accusative of a person, to teach, instruct, one: 1 Corinthians 2:16; for הֵבִין, Isaiah 40:14; for הודִיעַ , Exodus 18:16; Deuteronomy 4:9; Isaiah 40:13, Alex., Ald., etc.; for הורָה, Exodus 4:12, 15; Leviticus 10:11; בִּינָה הִשְׂכִּיל, Theod., Daniel 9:22. (The reading συνεβίβασαν in Acts 19:33, given by manuscripts א A B etc. (and adopted by L T Tr WH) yields no sense; (but it may be translated (with R. V. marginal reading) 'some of the multitude instructed Alexander', etc.; R. V. text translates it they brought Alexander out of the multitude, etc.).) The verb translated variously as “instruct,” “knit together,” “prove,” “conclude,” or “prompt” appears seven times. In each setting it portrays a dynamic act of bringing separate elements into coherent unity—whether thoughts, believers, evidence, or decisions. Instruction and Spiritual Insight (1 Corinthians 2:16) Paul cites Isaiah to show that no one can direct the Lord’s mind, then adds, “But we have the mind of Christ.” The term underlines the Spirit-given capacity of believers to be brought into shared understanding with the Lord’s own thoughts. Christian instruction is never mere data transfer; it is the Spirit’s work of uniting redeemed minds with divine wisdom. Bond of Love and Understanding within the Church (Colossians 2:2; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19) • Colossians 2:2: Paul prays that the churches be “knit together in love,” so that assurance and full knowledge might flourish. Intellectual conviction and heartfelt affection meet where the Spirit binds hearts. Reasoned Proof and Apologetic Witness (Acts 9:22) “Saul grew more powerful and kept confounding the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” The word stresses logical linkage: Old Testament prophecy, historical fact, and personal testimony are woven into a persuasive case. Early Christian apologetics relied on Scripture and reason, joined by the Spirit, to demonstrate Jesus’ messiahship. Corporate Discernment in Mission Direction (Acts 16:10) After Paul’s Macedonian vision, “we got ready at once… concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” The believers collectively put together the vision’s meaning and their calling. Missional guidance emerges when the body pieces together divine indications under the Spirit’s leading. Prompting within the Public Square (Acts 19:33) During the Ephesian riot, “the Jews in the crowd put forward Alexander,” literally coordinated or prompted him to speak a defense. Even amid chaotic civic settings, the term shows deliberate action to present an ordered response. Doctrinal Themes 1. Christ as the cohesive center: Whether thought (1 Corinthians 2:16) or church life (Ephesians 4:16), everything coheres in Him. Historical Setting The first-century church faced fragmented societies—Jew and Greek, slave and free. By consistently using this verb, Luke and Paul highlight how the gospel answered that fragmentation through compelling proof, affectionate unity, and shared purpose. Pastoral and Ministry Significance • Teaching: Aim beyond information toward Spirit-enabled comprehension and alignment with Christ’s mind. Key Points for Teaching and Application – Authentic unity arises from Christ, not merely human organization. – Doctrinal instruction should produce both understanding and affection. – Mission decisions flourish when believers collaboratively discern God’s leading. – Reasoned defense remains a biblical mandate, demonstrating Jesus as Messiah. – Every member’s contribution is a Spirit-supplied ligament holding the body together for growth in love. Englishman's Concordance Acts 9:22 V-PPA-NMSGRK: ἐν Δαμασκῷ συμβιβάζων ὅτι οὗτός NAS: at Damascus by proving that this KJV: at Damascus, proving that this INT: in Damascus proving that this Acts 16:10 V-PPA-NMP Acts 19:33 V-AIA-3P 1 Corinthians 2:16 V-FIA-3S Ephesians 4:16 V-PPM/P-NNS Colossians 2:2 V-APP-NMP Colossians 2:19 V-PPM/P-NNS Strong's Greek 4822 |
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