συμβούλιον (sumboulion)
sumboulion
counsel/council
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sumboulion refers to formal counsel or a council, capturing both the act of deliberation and the body of people involved. In the Gospels, it often describes secret meetings where religious leaders plot against Jesus, such as when they take counsel to destroy Him (Matthew 12:14) or when Herod’s officials devise a scheme to arrest Him (Mark 3:6). The word emphasizes the gravity and secrecy of these decisions.
Its meaning extends beyond mere advice to include the council itself, as seen in Acts 25:12 where Paul appeals to Caesar before his formal hearing. Etymologically linked to the verb for taking counsel, it reflects a structured process of decision-making typical of Greco-Roman administrative practices. Translators usually render it "counsel" or "council," highlighting the institutional weight behind the actions described in these narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word συμβούλιον (sumboulion) describes a formal meeting where decisions are made, often with serious consequences. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in accounts of religious leaders plotting against Jesus. These scenes highlight how human plans can turn dark when driven by fear or pride, as seen when the Pharisees conspired to destroy Him (Matthew 12:14). Such gatherings remind us that not all counsel leads to life; some lead only to division and death.
Yet this word also carries hope. In Acts 25:12, Paul uses legal counsel to appeal to Caesar, showing how God can work through human systems to advance His purposes. Even when people plot against truth, God’s plan remains secure. This encourages us to trust that no scheme formed in secret can thwart what God has ordained for good.
For your faith, συμβούλιον invites reflection on whose counsel you follow. Human advice is not always wise or kind. But when we seek understanding from God through Scripture and prayer, we find guidance that leads to peace rather than fear. May you discern clearly between voices that build up and those that tear down.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- counsel4×
- a counsel2×
- Counsel1×
- Council1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμβούλιον5×
- συμβούλιόν1×
- συμβουλίου1×
- Συμβούλιον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:14
But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.
This verse shows συμβούλιον used for a secret plot to kill Jesus, revealing the word’s association with hostile intent.
-
Mark 3:6
The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
Here, the Pharisees and Herodians join forces in counsel, illustrating how political and religious powers align against Christ.
-
Acts 25:12
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.”
Paul’s appeal to Caesar demonstrates συμβούλιον in a legal context, where formal consultation leads to a pivotal moment in the gospel’s spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does συμβούλιον mean in the Bible?
Why is this word used in both negative and neutral contexts?
How does συμβούλιον differ from other words for council?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 5 verses
But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.
Matthew 22:15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.
Matthew 27:1Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to…
Matthew 27:7They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.
Matthew 28:12When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,