συμφέρω (sumpherō)
sumpherō
be profitable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumpherō carries the basic sense of bringing things together to form a useful whole. In Scripture it most often appears in the impersonal phrase “it is profitable,” describing what is expedient or advantageous for a specific situation. Paul uses this construction frequently, noting that while all things may be lawful, not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12). He applies similar logic to community decisions, such as when he advises the Corinthian church on matters of marriage and service (1 Corinthians 7; 2 Corinthians 8:10).
Jesus employs the word to highlight practical wisdom in difficult circumstances. In Matthew 5:29-30, He suggests that removing a sinful eye or hand is “profitable” compared to losing one’s whole body, emphasizing the value of decisive action over gradual compromise. Similarly, in John 11:50 and 18:14, it is deemed expedient for one man to die so the people might not perish. The term points to a calculated assessment of what truly serves the greater good.
Etymologically, the word combines sym (“together”) and pherō (“to carry”). This root imagery suggests carrying burdens jointly or gathering elements into a cohesive result. While it can mean literally bringing items together, as seen in Acts 19:19 where books were collected, its theological weight lies in discerning what yields spiritual fruit. It challenges believers to look beyond immediate desires and consider the long-term health of their faith and community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word sumpherō invites us to look beyond immediate gratification toward what truly sustains our spiritual life. It describes what is beneficial or advantageous, often in contrast to what is merely permissible. When Paul writes that not all things are profitable, he reminds us that freedom requires wisdom. We are called to discern which actions build up our faith and which might weaken it over time.
This perspective helps us navigate difficult choices with clarity. Jesus uses this concept to highlight the serious cost of sin, suggesting that decisive action is better than gradual compromise. It encourages us to value the long-term health of our souls and communities above temporary ease. By asking what is truly beneficial, we align our decisions with God’s deeper purposes for our good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is better4×
- it is profitable3×
- profiting1×
- is profitable,1×
- is it profitable1×
- is [our] benefitting1×
- having brought together1×
- do profit;1×
- common profiting.1×
- being profitable1×
- are profitable;1×
- [your] benefit1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμφέρει7×
- σύμφορον2×
- συμφέρον2×
- συμφέρει·2×
- συνενέγκαντες1×
- συμφέρον.1×
- συμφέρει,1×
- συμφερόντων1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are expedient. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
Paul uses this term to distinguish between what is legally permissible and what is spiritually advantageous for the believer.
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Matthew 5:29
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.
Jesus employs this word to emphasize the severe value of removing sin, even at great personal cost, to preserve the whole soul.
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Hebrews 12:10
For they indeed for a few days disciplined us as seemed good to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.
The author contrasts human discipline with God’s purpose, noting that divine correction is specifically intended for our ultimate profit and holiness.
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I Corinthians 10:33
even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
Paul models selflessness by stating he seeks not his own advantage but the benefit of others so they may be saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sumpherō mean in the Bible?
How is sumpherō different from other words for benefit?
Where does Paul use this word most?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 4 verses
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 18:6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge…
Matthew 19:10His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”