συγγνώμη

permission, indulgence

Definition

The Greek word συγγνώμη (syggnōmē) primarily means 'permission,' 'indulgence,' or 'concession.' It refers to a gracious allowance or leniency granted, rather than a command or requirement. In its single New Testament occurrence in 1 Corinthians 7:6, Paul uses it to describe his advice on marital relations as a concession, not a binding directive. In broader Greek literature, it could also carry the sense of 'forgiveness' or 'pardon,' a meaning not explicitly present in its biblical usage but related to the concept of gracious allowance.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 7:6. Here, the Apostle Paul qualifies his preceding teaching about married couples not depriving one another sexually. He states, 'But I say this as a concession (συγγνώμη), not as a command.' The usage highlights Paul's pastoral approach, offering a gracious guideline rather than an inflexible law within the context of Christian marriage and self-control.

Etymology

Derived from the verb συγγινώσκω (synginōskō), which means 'to agree with,' 'to concede,' or 'to pardon.' It is a compound of σύν (syn, 'with') and γινώσκω (ginōskō, 'to know'). Literally, it suggests a 'knowing with' or 'agreeing with' someone, which evolved into the idea of granting permission or making an allowance based on mutual understanding.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it models apostolic authority and pastoral wisdom. Paul's use of 'concession' in 1 Corinthians 7:6 demonstrates that Christian ethics, especially in matters of personal and marital conduct, can involve areas of freedom and gracious allowance, not just rigid commands. It underscores the principle of Christian liberty and the Spirit-led application of wisdom, enriching our reading by showing that biblical instruction sometimes provides flexible guidance for the believer's edification.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of συγγνώμη was associated with social and relational leniency, often between a superior and an inferior. Paul's use in a marital context would have been understood as a gracious adjustment or allowance made within a relationship, reflecting a pastoral rather than a domineering authority. This contrasts with a modern legalistic reading that might seek only black-and-white commands.

χάρις (charis, G5485) — 'grace' or 'favor,' a broader term for unmerited gift, whereas συγγνώμη is a specific concession or allowance. ἄφεσις (aphesis, G859) — 'forgiveness' or 'release,' often used for the remission of sins, while συγγνώμη in the NT context is about permission.

Word Details

Scripture References