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συνέδριον (sunedrion)

sunedrion

council

G4892 · Greek · New Testament · 22 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
22 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun sunedrion refers to a formal council or assembly, literally meaning "a joint sitting" derived from words for "together" and "seat." In the New Testament, it identifies two distinct levels of Jewish judicial authority. The most prominent is the Sanhedrin, the supreme court in Jerusalem composed of seventy-one members including scribes, elders, and high priests, which handled major religious and civil cases (Matthew 26:59; Acts 5:27). Smaller local councils existed in various towns to manage community disputes (Matthew 10:17).

Its usage highlights the tension between Jewish self-governance and Roman oversight. While the Sanhedrin could try cases and pronounce sentences, historical records indicate that capital punishment required confirmation from the Roman procurator. The term appears frequently in Acts, detailing how apostles faced these tribunals, and in the Gospels during the trials of Jesus, illustrating the legal mechanisms through which early Christian leaders were challenged.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word sunedrion describes a formal assembly or court, specifically the Jewish councils that held judicial authority in the first century. For the early followers of Jesus, this term represents more than just a legal body; it signifies the institutional pressure faced by those who proclaimed the Gospel. These councils were not merely administrative groups but centers of significant religious and social power, often standing in direct opposition to the message of Christ.

When we read about believers appearing before these assemblies, we see a pattern of courageous witness under scrutiny. The apostles did not hide from these confrontations but stood firm, trusting that their conscience was clear before God. This historical reality reminds us that faithfulness often involves standing alone when societal structures oppose biblical truth. It is a call to integrity, showing that our loyalty to Christ supersedes any human authority.

Understanding this context helps us appreciate the cost of discipleship in the early church. The councils sought to silence the new movement, yet they could not stop the spread of the message. This offers comfort to believers today who may feel marginalized or misunderstood by their communities. It assures us that standing for truth, even when it is unpopular, is a honored path that aligns with the example of the apostles.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Council8×
  • Council,5×
  • council3×
  • courts2×
  • a council1×
  • Sanhedrin;1×
  • Council;1×
  • Council.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • συνέδριον8×
  • συνέδριον,2×
  • συνεδρίῳ·2×
  • συνεδρίῳ,2×
  • συνεδρίῳ2×
  • συνεδρίου,2×
  • συνέδρια,1×
  • συνέδρια1×
  • συνεδρίῳ.1×
  • συνεδρίου1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:22
    But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

    Jesus uses this term to illustrate the serious spiritual consequences of uncontrolled anger, linking it to divine judgment.

  • Acts 4:15
    But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

    This verse captures the moment the religious authorities attempted to dismiss the apostles' testimony from their proceedings.

  • Acts 23:1
    Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, “Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until today.”

    Paul addresses the council directly, asserting his clear conscience before God despite the accusations against him.

  • Matthew 26:59
    Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death,

    The supreme council actively seeks false evidence to condemn Jesus, highlighting their determination to eliminate Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word sunedrion mean?

Sunedrion translates to council or assembly. It refers specifically to the Jewish judicial bodies in the New Testament, including the high court in Jerusalem known as the Sanhedrin and local town councils that handled community disputes.

How is sunedrion different from other words for gathering?

While general terms like ekklesia refer to a called-out assembly or church, sunedrion specifically denotes a judicial or deliberative body. It implies a formal meeting of elders and leaders with the authority to make legal decisions.

Where does this word appear most frequently?

The term appears most often in the Acts of the Apostles, detailing the trials and hearings of Peter, Paul, and other early Christian leaders before Jewish authorities. It also features prominently in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' trial.

Every Occurrence (22 verses across 5 books)

Matthew 3 verses
Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…

Matthew 10:17

But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.

Matthew 26:59

Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him…

Mark 3 verses
Luke 1 verse
John 1 verse
Acts 14 verses