συμφωνία
symphōnía
G4858 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state of harmonious sound produced by the simultaneous combination of multiple voices or musical instruments; specifically, a musical ensemble or performance characterized by concordant tones. By extension, also the harmonious blending of differing elements.
Semantic Range
harmonious sound, musical harmony, musical ensemble or group, coordinated instrumental performance, harmonious blending, concord (literal and figurative)
Root / Etymology
From σύμφωνος (symphōnos, 'sounding together, concordant') + the abstract noun suffix -ία (-ia), forming nouns of quality or condition. The root relates to the idea of 'sounding together.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, συμφωνία denoted harmonious agreement or concord, both in sound and metaphorically in opinion or action. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it came to specifically indicate musical harmony or an ensemble, such as an orchestrated performance or a 'band' of instruments playing together. In Luke 15:25 of the NT, it refers to 'music' at a festive gathering, likely involving multiple instruments or a musical ensemble, rather than generic music. The translation 'symphony' (in the modern orchestral sense) is anachronistic; the concept refers to musical concord or group performance, not a specific musical form. English translations frequently use 'music,' but this does not always convey the nuance of coordinated instrumental performance or sound. The term is not limited to musical instruments but can refer more generally to any harmonious combination.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύμφωνος; unison of sound ("symphony"), i.e. a concert of instruments (harmonious note):--music.
Root Family
συμφων- (symphōnéō) — to sound together, to agree
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4856 | συμφωνέω | having agreed |
| G4857 | συμφώνησις | agreement |
| G4859 | σύμφωνος | of harmonious agreement |
| G800 | ἀσύμφωνος | discordant ones |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4858-01 |
συμφωνίας | sumphonias | N GEN F SG |
music | of harmonious sounding-together | of music | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4858-01 |
Luke 15:25 | συμφωνίας | sumphonias | N GEN F SG |
music | of harmonious sounding-together | of music |