συμβάλλω (sumballō)
sumballō
to ponder/confer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumballō literally means to throw things together, but in Scripture it describes the mental act of bringing ideas together to understand them. It appears primarily in Luke and Acts to depict careful consideration or discussion. In Luke 2:19, Mary is said to "ponder" these events in her heart, suggesting a quiet, internal processing of meaning rather than immediate analysis.
When used socially, it refers to conferring or discussing matters with others. This occurs in Acts 4:15, where the religious leaders confer with one another about the apostles, and in Acts 17:18, where philosophers debate with Paul. The word captures the dynamic of exchanging thoughts to reach a conclusion, whether in private reflection or public debate.
Its root imagery of "throwing together" highlights how understanding is built by assembling different pieces of information. Translators often render it as "ponder," "confer," or "meet with," depending on whether the context is internal thought or external dialogue. This range shows that biblical wisdom involves both solitary reflection and communal discussion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumballō invites us to slow down and truly listen, whether to God’s voice or to those around us. In Luke 2:19, Mary is described as pondering events in her heart. This quiet reflection shows that understanding often comes not from immediate reaction, but from holding experiences close and letting their meaning unfold over time.
When we face difficult decisions or confusing conversations, this practice of thoughtful consideration can bring peace. It reminds us that wisdom is built by gathering pieces of truth together—through personal prayer and discussion with others. Instead of rushing to judgment, we are invited to sit with the details, seeking clarity in stillness.
This approach honors both the solitude needed for deep thought and the community required for shared insight. By engaging our minds carefully, we align ourselves with a biblical pattern of faith that values patience and discernment above haste.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were encountering1×
- to engage1×
- they were confering1×
- pondering [them]1×
- he was meeting with1×
- he helped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνέβαλλον2×
- συνέβαλλεν1×
- συνεβάλετο1×
- συμβάλλουσα1×
- συμβαλεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
This verse highlights the internal aspect of sumballō, showing Mary’s quiet reflection as a model for processing divine events.
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Acts 4:15
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Here the word describes the religious leaders’ private deliberation, illustrating how communal discussion is used to navigate complex situations.
-
Luke 14:31
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
Jesus uses this concept to illustrate the necessity of careful calculation before undertaking a significant undertaking like war.