συμψηφίζω
sympsēphízō
G4860 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to reckon together, to calculate jointly; to add up (sums or charges) with others, or to include together in a calculation or account. In certain contexts, can also mean to compare by calculation, or to set in relation through collective reckoning.
Semantic Range
to compute jointly, to add up together, to make a calculation together, to weigh two things in comparison, to include in a joint reckoning, to consider comparatively
Root / Etymology
From σύν (with, together) and ψηφίζω (to calculate, to count using pebbles), forming a compound meaning literally 'to count together' or 'to cast pebbles together.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, συμψηφίζω appears in contexts involving accounting, collective assessment, or agreement upon a sum, especially in legal or financial transactions. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it retains these uses but acquires the broader sense of equating or considering as balanced or on a par. In the New Testament (e.g., Romans 8:18), it is used metaphorically to mean 'to consider together' or 'to compute comparatively,' usually in the context of weighing the value or significance of two things (e.g., 'We reckon together [the sufferings of the present and future glory]'). English translations often render it as 'reckon,' 'consider,' or 'compare,' but these can obscure its background as a technical term for accounting or mutual calculation. The root ψηφίζω is related to the common Greek practice of using small pebbles (ψηφοί) for calculations or voting, highlighting the concrete origin of the verbal actions. συμψηφίζω is distinct from λογίζομαι ('to reckon, count, or compute') in that it emphasizes joint action or mutual calculation, rather than individual assessment.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and ψηφίζω; to compute jointly:--reckon.
Root Family
ψηφ- (synkatapsēphízō) — to count, to reckon, to calculate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4785 | συγκαταψηφίζω | he was counted together with |
| G5585 | ψηφίζω | let him calculate |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4860-01 |
συνεψήφισαν | sunepsephisan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
counted up | they reckoned together | they reckoned together | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4860-01 |
Acts 19:19 | συνεψήφισαν | sunepsephisan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
counted up | they reckoned together | they reckoned together |