συνείδω (suneidō)
suneidō
be aware
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb suneidō means to see together or to perceive in one’s mind. It describes a mental act of comprehension, where knowledge is shared or internally recognized. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the book of Acts (12:12, 14:6, and 15:9). Its usage highlights moments of sudden understanding or realization among the early believers.
Etymologically, it combines syn ("together") and eido ("to see"). This root suggests seeing something in concert with others or viewing a situation holistically. Unlike the more common word for conscience (suneidēsis), which implies moral awareness, suneidō focuses on cognitive clarity. For instance, in Acts 15:9, it describes how God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, a truth that Peter and others came to fully grasp.
Translators often render this verb as "understand" or "know." The emphasis is on the clarity of perception rather than emotional guilt. It captures the moment when scattered information coalesces into clear insight, reflecting the communal nature of early Christian understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word suneidō describes a moment of mental clarity, where scattered details suddenly come together into a clear picture. It is not about moral guilt or a whispering conscience, but rather the quiet satisfaction of understanding how things fit. In the early church, this awareness often shifted how believers acted, moving them from confusion to purposeful steps.
When you face uncertainty, this word reminds you that God grants clarity. Whether it is recognizing where to go for prayer or seeing the truth in a complex situation, insight is a gift. You do not need to force understanding; instead, you can trust that as you seek God, your mind will be guided toward what is true and necessary.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having become aware1×
- already being aware1×
- Having considered [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνιδών1×
- συνιδόντες1×
- συνειδυίης1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:12
Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
This verse shows how sudden clarity leads to a specific action, guiding the believer to a place of communal prayer.
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Acts 14:6
they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.
Here, awareness triggers immediate physical movement, demonstrating that true understanding often requires a change in direction or behavior.
-
Acts 5:2
and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
This occurrence highlights shared knowledge within a relationship, showing how awareness can bind people together in a common reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does suneidō mean in the New Testament?
Is suneidō the same as conscience?
Why does this word matter for my faith?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the…
Acts 12:12Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many were gathered…
Acts 14:6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.