συμφώνησις

harmony, agreement

Definition

Συμφώνησις (symphōnēsis) means 'harmony,' 'agreement,' or 'concord,' describing a state of unity or mutual consent. In its only New Testament occurrence (2 Corinthians 6:15), it is used rhetorically in the negative ('what harmony...?') to emphasize the impossibility of agreement between fundamentally opposed spiritual realities—specifically, Christ and Belial. While the word itself denotes a positive state of accord, its biblical usage highlights the stark absence of such agreement where core identities conflict.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 6:15. Paul employs it in a series of rhetorical questions contrasting believers (the temple of God) with unbelievers (idols). The pattern is one of antithesis: 'What harmony (συμφώνησις) is there between Christ and Belial?' Its usage is entirely contextual, serving to underscore the profound spiritual incompatibility that precludes any true partnership or agreement.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the root related to φωνή (phōnē, meaning 'sound' or 'voice'). It literally means a 'sounding together,' much like a symphony. The concept evolved from a musical term to denote any harmonious agreement or concord between parties.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it defines the nature of the believer's relationship with the world. Paul uses it to establish a foundational principle of spiritual separation: there can be no covenant, partnership, or harmonious agreement (συμφώνησις) between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that Christian unity is not merely about avoiding conflict but is rooted in a shared fundamental identity in Christ, which is utterly incompatible with idolatry or evil.

In the Greco-Roman world, the idea of 'harmony' (συμφώνησις) was a valued social and political concept, often used to describe civic concord or agreements in business and diplomacy. Paul's audience would have understood its positive connotation, making his rhetorical negation—'what harmony?'—all the more striking. He subverts a common cultural ideal to make a spiritual point about irreconcilable difference.

ὁμονοία (homonoia, G3675) — emphasizes unity of mind and purpose, often used for civic concord. συγκατάθεσις (synkatathesis, G4783) — stresses consent or approval given to a proposition. ἁρμονία (harmonia) — a more specific musical term for joining or fitting together (not used in NT).

Word Details

Scripture References