συνευδοκέω (suneudokeō)
suneudokeō
to agree to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb suneudokeō describes a shared sense of approval or agreement, literally meaning to be pleased together with others. Its components combine the prefix syn- ("with") and endoxeō ("to think well of"), creating a term that emphasizes communal consent rather than isolated opinion. In the New Testament, it appears in six verses, often highlighting moments where individuals align their judgment with a group or an authority.
This word carries significant weight in legal and moral contexts. For instance, Acts 8:1 notes that Saul gave his approval to Stephen’s execution, indicating active participation in a collective decision. Similarly, Romans 1:32 uses it to describe those who not only commit certain acts but also agree with others who do them. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul uses the infinitive form to discuss marital consent, showing how the term applies to mutual agreement between people.
Translators typically render suneudokeō as "agree," "consent," or "approve." The nuance lies in the shared nature of the action; it is not merely personal preference but a joining of minds. This distinction helps clarify passages where moral responsibility is distributed among a group, emphasizing that collective agreement can validate or condemn actions just as strongly as individual choice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word suneudokeō reminds us that our choices rarely happen in isolation. It describes a shared agreement, where one person’s judgment aligns with another’s or with a group’s decision. This concept appears in moments of serious consequence, such as when Saul gave his approval to Stephen’s execution, showing how personal consent can join others in collective action.
In everyday life, this idea invites reflection on how we relate to those around us. Paul uses it to discuss marriage, noting that a believer should stay with an unbelieving spouse if the other is willing to remain. This highlights the value of mutual contentment and peace over division. It suggests that harmony often requires us to listen and agree with others, even when circumstances are complex.
Ultimately, this word points to the power of community in shaping our moral landscape. Whether in legal settings or family life, our agreement carries weight. It encourages us to consider how our consent influences those nearby, urging a thoughtful approach to shared decisions that affect many lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- consents2×
- consenting2×
- you consent1×
- they are approving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνευδοκῶν2×
- συνευδοκεῖ2×
- συνευδοκοῦσιν1×
- συνευδοκεῖτε1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 8:1
Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
This verse shows Saul’s active participation in a collective decision, linking his personal consent to the broader persecution of the early church.
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Romans 1:32
who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
Here the word describes those who not only commit acts but also approve of others doing them, highlighting shared moral responsibility.
-
I Corinthians 7:12
But to the rest I—not the Lord—say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave her.
Paul uses this term to describe a spouse’s willingness to stay in marriage, emphasizing mutual consent as a basis for peace.