συμφωνέω (sumphōneō)
sumphōneō
to agree with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumphōneō literally means to agree in sound or be in harmony, derived from roots meaning "with" and "sound." In the New Testament, it appears only six times, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, as well as in Acts. Its usage ranges from metaphorical agreement among believers to concrete agreements regarding wages.
In spiritual contexts, Jesus uses this word to describe the unity of prayer. In Matthew 18:19, He promises that if two people on earth agree about anything they ask, it will be done for them by His Father in heaven. The imagery suggests a harmonious alignment of hearts and purposes, much like instruments playing in tune.
The word also appears in practical, economic settings. In Matthew 20:2, the landowner makes an agreement (sumphōneō) with laborers for a denarius. Later, when the worker complains, the owner asks if he did not agree to that price. Here, the term emphasizes a mutual understanding and binding contract, highlighting fairness and honesty in human dealings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumphōneō paints a picture of harmony, much like instruments playing in tune or partners reaching a clear understanding. In Matthew 18:19, Jesus uses this idea to describe prayer. When believers align their hearts with God’s will and with each other, their requests resonate with the Father in heaven. This is not about forcing outcomes, but about finding unity in purpose and love.
This concept also appears in everyday life, such as when workers agree on wages or when early church leaders recognized how new events fulfilled ancient prophecies. It reminds us that agreement brings stability and peace. Whether in spiritual unity or practical matters, harmony reflects God’s design for community. As you seek to walk with others, may your conversations and prayers reflect this same spirit of concord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you did agree with1×
- shall agree1×
- it will match1×
- it was agreed together1×
- agree1×
- Having agreed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεφώνησάς1×
- συνεφωνήθη1×
- συμφωνήσωσιν1×
- συμφωνήσει1×
- συμφωνήσας1×
- συμφωνοῦσιν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 18:19
Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.
This verse highlights the spiritual power of unified prayer, where agreement among believers aligns with God's will.
-
Matthew 20:2
When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Here the word describes a practical contract for wages, showing its use in fair and honest human dealings.
-
Acts 15:15
This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,
The term connects current events with ancient prophecy, demonstrating how new realities fulfill old scriptures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sumphōneō mean in the Bible?
Why is agreement important in prayer?
Does this word only apply to spiritual matters?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be…
Matthew 20:2When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Matthew 20:13“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius?