ἀσύμφωνος

dissonant, discordant

Definition

The adjective ἀσύμφωνος (asymphōnos) literally means 'not sounding together' or 'discordant,' describing a lack of harmony in sound or agreement in opinion. In its only New Testament occurrence in Acts 28:25, it carries a metaphorical sense, describing people who are 'at variance' or 'in disagreement' with one another. The term paints a picture of clashing voices and conflicting perspectives, moving beyond mere physical noise to signify a profound breakdown in unity or shared understanding. While the biblical usage focuses on interpersonal discord, the word's core meaning of dissonance could theoretically apply to any situation lacking concord.

Biblical Usage

ἀσύμφωνος is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:25. In this context, it describes the reaction of the Jewish leaders in Rome after listening to Paul's testimony about Jesus from the Law and the Prophets. The text states they began to leave, 'disagreeing among themselves' (ἀσύμφωνοι ὄντες πρὸς ἀλλήλους). Its usage here highlights a decisive moment of division and failed persuasion, marking the end of Paul's direct outreach to the Jewish community in the narrative and his turn toward the Gentiles.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning 'not' or 'without,' combined with the root σύμφωνος (symphōnos), meaning 'sounding together,' 'harmonious,' or 'agreeing.' Συμφωνος itself comes from σύν (syn, 'with') and φωνή (phōnē, 'sound, voice'). Thus, ἀσύμφωνος literally means 'without a common voice' or 'inharmonious.' This etymology clearly conveys the concept of a breakdown in agreement, whether in musical harmony or in shared opinion.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, ἀσύμφωνος captures a significant theological theme in Acts: the growing division over the message of Jesus. It marks a pivotal moment where the gospel proclamation meets hardened resistance, fulfilling prophetic patterns of rejection (Isaiah 6:9-10, cited by Paul in the preceding verse, Acts 28:26-27). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the active, vocal, and communal nature of the disagreement, not just passive unbelief. It underscores the theme that the word of God often divides as it calls for a decisive response, leading to a turning point in salvation history toward the Gentiles.

In the Greco-Roman world, harmony (symphōnia) was a prized ideal, both in music and in civic life. Discord (asymphōnia) was seen as a social ill and a sign of disorder. For the Jewish audience in Acts, the concept of being 'not in agreement' would also resonate with their own scriptures' emphasis on unity. The word's use in Acts 28:25 would therefore carry strong rhetorical force, portraying the leaders' departure not as a neutral act but as a failure to achieve the harmony and consensus that the prophetic message, in Paul's argument, should have produced.

διχάζω (dichazō, G1369) — to cut in two, to divide or separate, focusing on the act of creating a split. διχοστασία (dichostasia, G1370) — dissension, division, strife, emphasizing a state of faction or standing apart. ἔρις (eris, G2054) — strife, contention, rivalry, highlighting the quarrelsome and competitive aspect of discord.

Word Details

Scripture References