συνωμοσία

a conspiracy, plot

Definition

The Greek word συνωμοσία refers specifically to a sworn conspiracy or a binding plot formed by a group. It denotes a secret agreement, often involving an oath, to carry out a harmful or unlawful act against a person or authority. In the New Testament, its sole occurrence in Acts 23:13 describes a group of more than forty Jews who bound themselves under a curse, plotting to kill the Apostle Paul. This highlights the word's core sense of a solemn, collective agreement to commit violence.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:13. It describes the specific, oath-bound conspiracy formed by a group of more than forty Jews who vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. The usage is entirely within a narrative context of intense religious and political opposition to the early Christian mission, illustrating a planned, collective act of murderous intent against a key Christian leader.

Etymology

The noun συνωμοσία is derived from the verb συνόμνυμι, which means 'to swear together' or 'to conspire by oath.' It is a compound of the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the root related to ὄμνυμι (omnumi), meaning 'to swear.' Thus, its etymology directly points to a group binding itself together through a solemn oath, which is central to its meaning of a sworn plot.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it starkly illustrates the nature of opposition faced by the early church. The sworn conspiracy against Paul in Acts 23:13 demonstrates the spiritual conflict described in Ephesians 6:12, where forces oppose God's work. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the gravity of the threat and God's sovereign protection, as the plot is foiled, showing that human schemes cannot ultimately thwart divine purpose.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, sworn conspiracies or oath-bound agreements were taken with extreme seriousness, often invoking divine curses for failure. This cultural understanding of binding oaths intensifies the narrative in Acts 23:13; the conspirators' vow not to eat or drink until Paul was dead was a grave commitment, making their plot a matter of religious and social honor, not merely a casual plan.

ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē, G1917) — a more general term for a plot or scheme, not necessarily involving a sworn oath. στάσις (stasis, G4714) — denotes a riot, uprising, or faction, focusing on public dissension rather than a secret pact. συνθήκη (synthēkē, G4934) — a covenant or agreement, typically neutral or positive, lacking the negative, secretive connotation of a conspiracy.

Word Details

Scripture References