Lexical Summary sumboulos: Counselor, Advisor Original Word: σύμβουλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance counselor. From sun and boule; a consultor, i.e. Adviser -- counsellor. see GREEK sun see GREEK boule HELPS Word-studies 4825 sýmboulos (from 4862 /sýn, "identified closely with" and 1012 /boulḗ, "determined plan") – properly, a consultant; a formal (official) advisor or counselor (used only in Ro 11:34). [See Is 40:13 for its Hebrew counterpart (OT 6098).] Ro 11:34: "For NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and boulé Definition a counselor NASB Translation counselor (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4825: σύμβουλοςσύμβουλος, συμβούλου, ὁ (σύν and βουλή), an adviser, counsellor: Romans 11:34 from Isaiah 40:13. (Tragg. (Herodotus), Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, others.) Topical Lexicon Key Scriptural Context Romans 11:34 cites Isaiah 40:13 to declare, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”. Here σύμβουλος underscores the unrivaled wisdom of God; no created being can add to His perfect understanding. The term appears only once in the Greek New Testament, yet its background in Isaiah establishes the wider biblical pattern that God alone possesses ultimate counsel. Intertextual Echoes in the Septuagint The Septuagint frequently uses the same Greek word for royal advisors and strategic planners (for example, 2 Samuel 15:12; 1 Chronicles 27:32). These texts highlight two themes: 1. A king’s success often depended on godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14). By contrast, Romans 11:34 sets the Lord’s counsel beyond all comparison, completing the Old Testament trajectory. Theological Themes 1. Divine Self-Sufficiency: God requires no guidance; His purposes stand (Isaiah 46:10). Historical Background and Cultural Setting In the Greco-Roman world, rulers surrounded themselves with trusted advisors who shaped policy and warfare. To name none as God’s counselor intentionally distances Him from pagan deities and earthly monarchs. Paul’s audience in Rome—acquainted with the imperial court—would feel the stark contrast: the Emperor’s senate versus the Lord’s solitary throne. Biblical Portraits of Counselors • Ahithophel—Brilliant but treacherous (2 Samuel 16:23). Each illustrates either the frailty or the value of counsel, sharpening the New Testament affirmation that God alone is the flawless Counselor. Christ as the Supreme Counselor Isaiah 9:6 names Messiah “Wonderful Counselor.” The incarnation brings God’s perfect counsel to humanity. Jesus embodies wisdom (Colossians 2:3) and imparts it through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17), fulfilling the Old Testament hope and providing the church with unfailing direction. Implications for Ministry and Christian Living • Preaching: Romans 11:34 invites proclamation of God’s incomprehensible wisdom, urging humble worship. Practical Application for Today 1. Cultivate reverence: marvel at God’s unsearchable judgments. Thus Strong’s Greek 4825, though rare in the New Testament, powerfully affirms the exclusive, sovereign wisdom of God and calls believers to rest securely in His perfect counsel. Forms and Transliterations σύμβουλοι σύμβουλοί σύμβουλον συμβουλος σύμβουλος συμβούλους συμβούλων sumboulos symboulos sýmboulosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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