σύμβουλος (sumboulos)
sumboulos
counselor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sumboulos refers to a counselor or adviser, literally one who gives counsel together with others. Its meaning derives from the prefix syn ("with") and boule ("counsel" or "plan"), describing someone who participates in deliberation to help shape a decision.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 11:34. Paul quotes the Septuagint version of Job 15:8 to ask who has known the mind of the Lord or served as His counselor. The usage highlights divine independence; God does not require human advice to execute His purposes.
Translators typically render this term simply as "counselor," capturing its role as a source of guidance. However, the context in Romans emphasizes that while humans may offer counsel to one another, no one advises God. The word serves to underscore the unique self-sufficiency of divine wisdom and action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumboulos describes a counselor, literally one who advises together with others. In Romans 11:34, Paul uses this term to highlight God’s complete independence. He asks who has been the Lord’s counselor, implying that no human stands above or beside God to guide His plans. This truth brings deep comfort because it means our Creator is never uncertain or in need of correction.
When life feels chaotic, we often seek advice from many sources. Yet this passage reminds us that God’s wisdom is perfect and self-sufficient. We do not need to worry that He might make a mistake or require our input to succeed. His decisions are rooted in infinite understanding, far beyond human reach.
This assurance allows us to rest in His sovereignty. Instead of striving to control outcomes or second-guess divine purposes, we can trust that God is fully capable and wise. Our role is not to advise Him but to rely on His guidance with confidence and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- counselor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύμβουλος1×
Key Verses
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Romans 11:34
“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
Paul quotes Job 15:8 here to emphasize that no human has advised God, underscoring His absolute self-sufficiency and independence from human counsel.