σύμφημι (sumphēmi)
sumphēmi
to agree
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumphēmi means to give consent or to confess agreement with something. It combines the prefix syn, meaning "with," and phēmi, meaning "to say." This construction creates a sense of speaking in harmony or alignment with another perspective.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 7:16. Here, Paul uses it to describe his internal acknowledgment that the Law is good. He states that if he does what he does not want to do, he agrees with the Law that it is right. This usage highlights a moment of honest recognition rather than enthusiastic endorsement.
The sources note that sumphēmi can also mean to confess or assent, often used with a dative object or before a clause introduced by hoti. Its rarity in Scripture gives this single occurrence significant weight, marking a pivotal point of theological clarity where Paul admits the goodness of God's standard despite his own struggle.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face inner conflict between what we want to do and what we actually do, it can feel like a failure of faith. Paul describes this exact struggle in Romans 7:16. He notes that when he acts against his better judgment, he still "agrees" with God's Law that it is good. This word, sumphēmi, captures a quiet, honest acknowledgment rather than a loud celebration.
This recognition is not about enthusiasm but about truth. Even in our weakest moments, we can admit that God’s standards are right. This simple act of agreeing with the truth helps us stop fighting reality and start trusting God’s character. It invites us to be honest about our struggles without losing hope in His goodness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I consent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύμφημι1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 7:16
But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.
Paul uses this rare word to show his internal agreement that the Law is good, even while struggling to keep it.