συμβουλεύω (sumbouleuō)
sumbouleuō
to consult
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumbouleuō describes the act of giving counsel or taking advice, rooted in the idea of joining minds to reach a decision. It appears in only four verses in the New Testament, highlighting moments where human leaders seek direction or deliberate together. In Matthew 2:4 and John 11:47, religious authorities use it to describe their private consultations regarding Jesus, illustrating a formal gathering to weigh options.
Etymologically, the word combines "with" and "counsel," suggesting a collaborative process rather than a solitary decree. While it can mean to advise someone directly, it often implies mutual deliberation among peers. This nuance distinguishes it from commands; it is about discussion and shared judgment, as seen when the chief priests and elders gather to plot their next move.
Translators typically render this term as "consult" or "take counsel," which captures its procedural nature. The scarcity of occurrences in Scripture suggests that while human planning is a recurring theme, the text focuses more on the outcome of such deliberations than the act itself. This word grounds biblical narratives in the realistic political and social dynamics of first-century decision-making.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumbouleuō captures the human habit of seeking direction through discussion. Whether in ancient courts or modern boardrooms, we often gather with others to weigh options before acting. Scripture shows us that while consultation is natural, its value depends entirely on whose wisdom guides the conversation. The religious leaders in Matthew 26 used this process to plot against Jesus, demonstrating that even formal deliberation can lead astray when hearts are hardened.
Yet Christ offers a different kind of counsel in Revelation 3:18. He does not merely join their debate; He provides the perspective they lack. True wisdom comes not from human consensus alone, but from aligning our thoughts with His truth. When we bring our uncertainties to Him, we find guidance that surpasses any earthly advice.
This word reminds us that while community input has its place, ultimate clarity rests in divine insight. We are invited to seek understanding together, yet always anchor our decisions in the unchanging character of God. His counsel brings light where human planning often finds only shadows.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they plotted together1×
- plotted together1×
- having given counsel1×
- I counsel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεβουλεύσαντο2×
- συμβουλεύω1×
- συμβουλεύσας1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:4
They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.
This verse shows the word used for a secretive, malicious plot, highlighting how consultation can be twisted by selfish motives.
-
Revelation of John 3:18
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
Here Jesus uses the term to offer direct, life-giving advice to the church in Laodicea, contrasting human self-sufficiency with divine provision.
-
Acts 9:23
When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him,
The Jews conspired against Paul, illustrating how this word describes coordinated opposition driven by fear rather than truth.