συγκυρία

a coincidence, accident, chance

Definition

The Greek word συγκυρία (sygkyria) means a coincidence, accident, or chance event. It refers to something that happens by random concurrence of circumstances, without apparent design or divine causation. In the New Testament, it appears only in Luke 10:31, describing the priest who 'by chance' came down the same road where the wounded man lay. This usage emphasizes the seemingly random nature of the encounter, contrasting human happenstance with God's providential care as illustrated in the parable.

Biblical Usage

Συγκυρία is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 10:31, within the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It describes the priest happening upon the wounded traveler 'by chance' or 'by coincidence.' This singular usage highlights the element of random human circumstance, setting the stage for the parable's contrast between religious obligation and compassionate action. The word underscores the unpredictability of life's events from a purely human perspective.

Etymology

Συγκυρία derives from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the noun κύριος (kyrios, here in a sense related to 'authority' or 'event,' from a root meaning 'to happen'). Literally, it suggests things 'coming together' or a 'concurrence' of events. It is related to the verb συγκυρέω (sygkyreō, G4793), meaning 'to happen together.' The term inherently points to a meeting or conjunction of circumstances without implying intentional design.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it represents the human perspective of random chance, which the biblical narrative often contrasts with God's sovereignty and providence. In Luke 10:31, its use sets up a critical tension in the parable: from a human viewpoint, the priest's arrival is mere coincidence, but the story invites the reader to see God's expectation for mercy in every 'chance' encounter. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the Bible's consistent theme that what humans call 'accident' is often a sphere for divine purpose and moral responsibility.

In the Greco-Roman world, concepts of fate (Tyche) and chance were common in popular philosophy and religion. The use of συγκυρία in Luke's Gospel, written for a Gentile audience, would resonate with this cultural understanding of random fortune. However, the biblical narrative subverts this by implying that even 'chance' events are opportunities for obedience to God's law of love, contrasting pagan fatalism with the Jewish and Christian view of a purposeful God acting in history.

συμβαίνω (symbainō, G4819) — a more common verb meaning 'to happen' or 'come to pass,' often used for events in general without the specific nuance of coincidence. τύχη (tychē, n/a) — the classical Greek personification and concept of 'chance' or 'fortune,' not used in the NT but representing the common cultural idea.

Word Details

Scripture References