συνέδριον

a council, the Sanhedrin

Definition

The word συνέδριον (synedrion) primarily refers to a formal council or assembly convened for deliberation and judgment. In the New Testament, it most famously denotes the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council in Jerusalem, which tried Jesus (Matthew 26:59) and the apostles (Acts 4:15). In a more general sense, it can refer to any local Jewish council or tribunal, such as the 'councils' in synagogues where believers would be tried (Matthew 10:17, Mark 13:9). The term can also refer to the physical meeting place of such a council (Matthew 5:22).

Biblical Usage

Συνέδριον is used 22 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Acts. Its usage consistently centers on Jewish judicial or deliberative bodies. In the Gospels, it almost exclusively refers to the Jerusalem Sanhedrin, especially in the passion narratives (e.g., Mark 14:55, Luke 22:66, John 11:47). In Matthew 10:17 and Mark 13:9, it refers more broadly to local Jewish councils. The book of Acts records its use regarding the apostles' trials before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:15, 5:21, 5:27, 5:34, 5:41, 6:12, 6:15, 22:30, 23:1, 23:6, 23:15, 23:20, 23:28, 24:20).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the root of ἕδρα (hedra, meaning 'seat' or 'sitting place'). Thus, it literally means 'a sitting together' or 'assembly.' This etymology highlights its function as a convened gathering, which developed the specific meaning of an official council with judicial authority.

Semantic Range

Understanding συνέδριον is crucial for grasping the fulfillment of prophecy and the nature of Jesus's trial. The Sanhedrin's rejection of Jesus as Messiah (John 11:47-53) and its role in His crucifixion underscore the theme of human injustice contrasted with God's redemptive plan (Acts 2:23). It also illustrates the early church's conflict with established religious authority, highlighting the transition from the old covenant to the new. The apostles' trials before the council demonstrate the cost of discipleship and the proclamation of the gospel to all authorities.

The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish governing body in Judea under Roman rule, composed of 71 members including chief priests, elders, and scribes, and presided over by the high priest. It held significant religious, civil, and criminal authority, though its power to enact capital punishment was limited by Rome (John 18:31). Local 'synedria' were lower courts attached to synagogues. This context is essential; when Jesus and His followers are brought before 'the council,' it represents a confrontation with the highest earthly authority of the Jewish people.

βουλή (boulē, G1012) — a council for planning or deliberation, less judicial; κρίσις (krisis, G2920) — judgment or decision, focusing on the act rather than the body.

Word Details

Scripture References