συμψηφίζω (sumpsēphizō)
sumpsēphizō
to calculate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumpsephizō means to calculate or count up a total by adding items together. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:19, where believers burn their expensive magic scrolls. The text notes that they calculated the value of these books and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.
The word combines two parts: sum-, meaning "together," and sēphizō, related to counting or numbering. This construction emphasizes the act of bringing separate figures into a single sum. In this specific context, it highlights the tangible cost of abandoning their former practices, turning personal possessions into a collective financial figure.
Translators render this as "calculated" or "counted up," capturing the precise arithmetic involved. The usage is straightforward and concrete, focusing on the monetary assessment rather than spiritual reflection. It serves as a factual detail that underscores the magnitude of the conversion experienced in Ephesus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumpsephizō appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:19. It describes believers who burned their magic scrolls and calculated their total value at fifty thousand pieces of silver. This was not a casual glance but a careful addition of separate figures into one sum. The action shows how serious they were about leaving their old life behind.
For your faith, this word reminds us that following Jesus often involves real costs. It is not just about feeling different but making concrete choices that reflect our new priorities. When we let go of things that no longer serve God, we may lose money, status, or comfort. Yet this loss becomes a sign of genuine transformation.
God sees the value in what we surrender. The fifty thousand pieces of silver were not wasted; they marked a turning point for many in Ephesus. Your own sacrifices, however small, are seen and honored by Him. This word invites you to examine what you hold onto and consider whether it aligns with your trust in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they counted up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεψήφισαν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 19:19
Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted their price, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.
The verb sumpsephizō appears here to show that the believers carefully added up the value of their magic scrolls, revealing the tangible cost of their conversion.