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συμφέρω

symphérō

G4851 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To bring together, collect, or gather; by extension, to be useful or advantageous, to benefit or profit; frequently used in contexts indicating what is expedient, beneficial, or serves an advantage for someone or something. In the neuter participle, functions as a noun meaning 'advantage' or 'benefit.'

Semantic Range

to bring together, to collect, to contribute, to be useful, to profit, to benefit, to be expedient, to be advantageous, to be good for, to be profitable for, advantage, benefit

Root / Etymology

From σύν ('with, together') + φέρω ('to bear, carry')—literally 'to bear together' or 'bring together.' The compound formation denotes the sense of combination or mutual action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, συμφέρω originally meant 'to bring together' (objects or people), 'to collect,' or 'to contribute.' The metaphorical extension to mean 'to be of use' or 'to be advantageous' appears already in earlier Greek, especially in philosophical and practical contexts (e.g., what is beneficial to the state or individual). In Koine Greek, especially the New Testament, the figurative sense becomes primary, most often used to denote what is advantageous, expedient, or profitable in various circumstances (e.g., John 11:50; 16:7; 18:14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23; 12:7; 2 Corinthians 8:10). The neuter participial form (τὸ συμφέρον) often functions as a substantive meaning 'the advantageous thing' or 'the benefit.' English translations often render the verb with terms like 'is profitable,' 'is expedient,' or 'is good,' but may not consistently express the breadth of the Greek, which relates to mutual benefit, collectivity, or what is most appropriate in context. The verb’s focus can be personal, communal, or general. Its use in legal, ethical, and rhetorical discussions in broader Greek literature underlines both its literal and metaphorical senses, with the metaphorical predominating in Koine.

Translation Consistency

primary "benefit" 5 occurrences

Most occurrences and the typical semantic force center on advantage, usefulness, or profit (be beneficial/advantageous). “Benefit” is a natural, common English verb that covers ‘be useful/profitable’ and can render participial/noun senses (benefiting/benefit) while remaining consistent and idiomatic. Less common senses like ‘bring together/contribute’ can be rendered as ‘benefit’ in contexts where the sense is contribution toward advantage.

Alternatives (10 occurrences):
"beneficial" (8x) "having brought together" (1x) "beneficial things" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σύν and φέρω (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage:--be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for).

Root Family

συμφέρω (symphérō) — to bring together, to collect, to be advantageous, to benefit

Root συμφερ- to bring together, to collect, to be advantageous, to benefit

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4851-01 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG is expedient it is beneficial it is beneficial 10
G4851-02 συμφέρον sumpheron V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N SG common good the beneficial thing the benefiting thing 3
G4851-03 συμφερόντων sumpheronton V PRS ACT PTCP GEN N PL profitable things of the beneficial things beneficial things 1
G4851-04 συνενέγκαντες sunenegkantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having brought together having brought together having brought together 1

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4851-01 Matthew 5:29 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG it is profitable it is beneficial it is beneficial
G4851-01 Matthew 5:30 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG it-is-better it is beneficial it is beneficial
G4851-01 Matthew 18:6 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG it is better it is beneficial it benefits
G4851-01 Matthew 19:10 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG is expedient it is beneficial it is beneficial
G4851-01 John 11:50 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG it is expedient it is beneficial it is beneficial
G4851-01 John 16:7 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG it is expedient it is beneficial it is beneficial
G4851-01 John 18:14 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG it was expedient it is beneficial it is beneficial
G4851-04 Acts 19:19 συνενέγκαντες sunenegkantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having brought together having brought together having brought together
G4851-03 Acts 20:20 συμφερόντων sumpheronton V PRS ACT PTCP GEN N PL profitable things of the beneficial things beneficial things
G4851-01 1 Corinthians 6:12 συμφέρει sumpherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG are profitable it is beneficial it is beneficial
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