συμφέρω

I collect, am profitable to

Definition

The verb συμφέρω primarily means 'to be profitable, advantageous, or beneficial.' It conveys the idea of something bringing a net gain or positive outcome, often in a moral or spiritual sense. In some contexts, it retains its more literal sense of 'to bring together' or 'collect,' as seen in Acts 19:19 where former sorcerers gather their books to burn them. However, its dominant New Testament usage is figurative, evaluating what is spiritually beneficial, as in Jesus's teachings about self-denial for the sake of one's soul (Matthew 5:29-30, 18:6). A distinct, ironic usage appears in John 11:50 and 18:14, where Caiaphas argues it is 'expedient' for one man to die for the people, a political calculation that unwittingly points to Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 17 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, John) and Acts. Its usage consistently involves weighing outcomes or making a judgment about what is ultimately advantageous. In Matthew, Jesus uses it to discuss radical discipleship and avoiding sin (Matthew 5:29-30, 18:6). In John, it appears in both the theological irony of Caiaphas's statement (John 11:50) and Jesus's teaching on the Holy Spirit's coming being 'to your advantage' (John 16:7). The single use in Acts (19:19) is more literal, referring to the collection of magical scrolls.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the common verb φέρω (pherō, meaning 'to bear' or 'to bring'). Literally, it means 'to bring together.' Over time, its meaning developed from the physical act of gathering to the figurative sense of bringing things together for a beneficial purpose, hence 'to be profitable or advantageous.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames Christian ethics and discipleship in terms of ultimate spiritual benefit. Jesus uses it to teach that temporal sacrifices (like cutting off a hand) are worthwhile if they secure eternal salvation (Matthew 5:29-30). It also appears in the profound irony of John's Gospel, where a human calculation of political 'expediency' (John 11:50) is sovereignly used by God to accomplish the truly beneficial work of atonement. Understanding this Greek term helps readers see the Bible's consistent call to evaluate all choices based on their eternal, spiritual profitability.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of what is 'advantageous' (συμφέρον) was a key topic in philosophical and ethical discussions about how to live a good life. The New Testament appropriates this common term but radically redefines 'advantage' from a worldly, often self-serving perspective to an eternal, God-centered one focused on the soul's welfare.

ὠφελέω (ōpheleō, G5623) — emphasizes help, benefit, or making better in a more general sense. κερδαίνω (kerdainō, G2770) — means 'to gain' or 'acquire,' often in a material or spiritual sense, focusing on the gain itself rather than the inherent benefit of an action.

Word Details

Scripture References