συναίρω (sunairō)
sunairō
to settle accounts
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunairō means to take up or gather together, but in biblical usage it specifically refers to settling accounts. It appears only three times in the New Testament, always within Jesus’ parables about financial reckoning. In Matthew 18:23-24, a king decides to settle accounts with his servants, and in Matthew 25:19, a master calls each servant to give an account of their stewardship before departing.
Its root combines the prefix sun- ("together") with airō ("to take up"). This imagery suggests bringing things into one place for review. Translators typically render it as "settle accounts" or "make a reckoning." The word implies a formal evaluation where everything is brought together for judgment, rather than a casual check. This concrete sense of gathering and reviewing provides the backdrop for Jesus’ teachings on responsibility and accountability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunairō describes a formal settling of accounts. It comes from combining words for "together" and "to take up," suggesting that everything is gathered in one place for review. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, always within Jesus’ parables about responsibility. It paints a picture of a moment where nothing is hidden and every detail is brought into the light for evaluation.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that our stewardship matters. Whether in Matthew 18 or Matthew 25, Jesus uses this imagery to show that we are entrusted with resources and time by God. It is not a casual check-in but a serious accounting of how we have used what was given to us. This perspective encourages honesty and diligence in daily duties.
Understanding this term helps clarify the seriousness of our relationship with God. It invites you to examine your own life with transparency, knowing that every action has weight. Rather than fearing judgment, let this truth motivate you to live faithfully today. Trust that God’s standards are just and His grace is sufficient for those who seek to serve Him well.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to settle2×
- takes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνᾶραι1×
- συναίρειν1×
- συναίρει1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 18:23
Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
This verse introduces the parable by establishing the king's authority to initiate a formal financial review, setting the stage for the theme of accountability.
-
Matthew 18:24
When he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
Here the word highlights the overwhelming scale of debt owed, emphasizing that human inability to repay underscores the need for mercy in the narrative.
-
Matthew 25:19
“Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.
In this context, the master's return after a long time shows that accountability is inevitable and occurs on God's timeline, not ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sunairō mean in the Bible?
Why does this word appear so rarely?
How is sunairō different from other words for accounting?
Where else can I find this word?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
Matthew 18:24When he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
Matthew 25:19“Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.