συνωμοσία (sunōmosia)
sunōmosia
plot
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sunōmosia refers to a sworn conspiracy or secret plot. It describes a group of people who have bound themselves together by oath to carry out a harmful scheme against another person. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:13, where it identifies the specific nature of the threat facing Paul.
Its meaning comes from its roots: sun ("together") and horkos ("oath"). This etymology highlights that the danger was not just a random attack, but a coordinated effort fueled by a formal pledge. The sources note this aligns with Old Testament usage, such as in Ezekiel 22:25, where leaders are condemned for conspiring together to shed blood.
Translators typically render sunōmosia as "conspiracy" or "plot." This choice captures the legal and moral weight of the act. It was not merely a disagreement but a criminal agreement to do evil. The term underscores the seriousness of opposing God’s messengers through organized deceit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunōmosia describes a sworn conspiracy where individuals bind themselves together by oath to carry out a harmful scheme. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:13, referring to over forty men who plotted against Paul. This was not a spontaneous act of anger but a coordinated effort fueled by a formal pledge to do evil.
When you face opposition or unfair treatment, remember that God’s purposes are not thwarted by human plots. Even when others unite against you with deceit, the Lord remains sovereign. Paul’s safety did not depend on his own strength but on God’s protection. This truth offers comfort in your own struggles, reminding you that no conspiracy can stand against divine will.
Trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge. He sees the hidden plans of hearts and brings light to darkness. Your faith is strengthened when you know that evil intentions cannot ultimately harm those who belong to Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- plot1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνωμοσίαν1×
Key Verses
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Acts 23:13
There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy.
This verse identifies the specific group of over forty men who bound themselves by oath to kill Paul, highlighting the organized and serious nature of the threat.