συμμαρτυρέω (summartureō)

summartureō

to testify with

G4828 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb summartureō means to give testimony alongside someone else, or to confirm what another has already said. It combines the prefix syn- ("with") and martureō ("to witness"), creating a sense of joint agreement rather than independent observation. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the letters of Paul.

Its usage highlights a specific kind of spiritual confirmation. In Romans 8:16, it describes how the Holy Spirit bears witness with our own spirit that we are God’s children. Here, the divine testimony aligns perfectly with human experience, validating our identity as believers. Similarly, in Romans 2:15, Paul suggests that the moral law written on hearts serves as a witness alongside conscience, pointing to an internal moral awareness that agrees with God’s standards.

This word emphasizes unity in truth. It is not about adding new information but about reinforcing existing testimony through shared agreement. The sources note its connection to Romans 9:1, where Paul solemnly affirms his truthfulness, implying a witness that stands firm and unshaken by external pressure.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When doubt creeps into your heart about your standing with God, you are not left to navigate that uncertainty alone. The word summartureō describes a powerful moment of alignment where the Holy Spirit confirms what your spirit already senses: you belong to Him. This is not a new revelation but a deepening assurance, a quiet inner witness that resonates with the truth of the Gospel. It brings peace by connecting your personal experience with divine certainty.

This concept also extends to our moral lives. Your conscience acts as a companion, testifying alongside you about right and wrong. While this internal guide can accuse or excuse, it points toward a universal moral awareness written on the heart. Understanding this joint testimony helps us see that God’s truth is not distant; it is intimately present in our deepest thoughts and feelings, guiding us toward integrity.

Ultimately, this word reminds us that we are never isolated in our faith journey. Whether through the Spirit’s affirmation of our identity or the quiet voice of conscience, God provides witness after witness to His reality. This shared agreement between heaven and earth offers a steady foundation for living with confidence and peace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

while is bearing witness1×
bears witness with1×
are bearing witness1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

συμμαρτυρούσης2×
συμμαρτυρεῖ1×

Key Verses

Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;

This verse is central because it explicitly links the Holy Spirit's testimony with our own spirit to confirm our identity as God's children.
Romans 2:15
in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)

Here the word illustrates how conscience actively testifies alongside individuals, revealing an internal moral law that aligns with God's standards.
Romans 9:1
I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit

Paul uses this concept to anchor his solemn truthfulness in Christ, showing how the Holy Spirit serves as a witness to his sincerity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does summartureō mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek verb meaning 'to testify with' or 'to bear witness alongside.' It combines the idea of joint agreement, where one witness confirms what another has already said. In the New Testament, it describes how the Holy Spirit confirms our spirit, or how conscience aligns with moral truth.

How is this word different from just 'witnessing'?

The prefix 'syn-' adds the element of togetherness. It is not about giving independent evidence but about reinforcing an existing testimony through shared agreement. For example, the Spirit does not give a new message but confirms what our spirit already knows about being God's children.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only three times in the New Testament, all in Paul’s letters: Romans 2:15, Romans 8:16, and Romans 9:1. These passages highlight its use in describing spiritual confirmation and moral accountability.

What does this mean for my daily life?

It offers assurance that you are not alone in your faith. The Holy Spirit actively confirms your identity as a child of God, providing peace when doubts arise. It also reminds us to listen to our conscience, which serves as an internal witness to God’s moral standards.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Romans 3 verses

Romans 2:15

in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their…

Romans 8:16

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;

Romans 9:1

I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit