συνετός
synetós
G4908 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the ability to bring together information or ideas mentally; discerning, perceptive, able to understand and make sense of complex matters. The word characterizes one who is able to comprehend, grasp underlying meaning, or exercise practical or intellectual discernment. Depending on context, it may emphasize intellectual acumen, practical wisdom, or perceptive insight.
Semantic Range
intelligent, discerning, perceptive, judicious, prudent, insightful, able to understand or synthesize information, wise in an analytical or understanding sense
Root / Etymology
From the root συν- ('with') and the verb ἵημι ('to set, place'), especially as found in συνίημι ('to bring together, understand'). The adjective συνετός is formed to describe one possessing the quality of mental combination or comprehension.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, συνετός was widely used to denote intellectual ability: the capacity to understand and connect ideas. It often implies a kind of rational insight that allows one to act judiciously or prudently. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, συνετός can describe both intellectual discernment and practical wisdom. It frequently appears in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs in the LXX), where it contrasts with ἄφρων or ἀσύνετος (the senseless or foolish). In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 11:25), συνετός typically refers to those with learned or educated understanding, though sometimes it implies worldly cleverness more than true spiritual insight. English translations like 'prudent,' 'wise,' or 'intelligent' capture part of the meaning, but can obscure the nuance of connecting or synthesizing knowledge, which is core to the Greek. The word overlaps with φρόνιμος (thoughtful, prudent), but συνετός stresses cognitive synthesis and comprehension, whereas φρόνιμος often emphasizes practical wisdom or shrewdness. Unlike σοφός (wise, skilled) which can suggest wisdom in a broad or even artistic sense, συνετός always retains a sense of understanding, analysis, or perceptivity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from συνίημι; mentally put (or putting) together, i.e. sagacious:--prudent. Compare φρόνιμος.
Root Family
συνετός (synetos) — mentally bringing together, understanding, perceiving, discerning
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4908-02 |
συνετῶν | suneton | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
understanding | of the discerning | discerning | 3 |
G4908-01 |
συνετῷ | suneto | ADJ.A DAT M SG |
intelligent | to a discerning one | intelligent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4908-02 |
Matthew 11:25 | συνετῶν | suneton | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
understanding | of the discerning | discerning |
G4908-02 |
Luke 10:21 | συνετῶν | suneton | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
understanding | of the discerning | understanding ones |
G4908-01 |
Acts 13:7 | συνετῷ | suneto | ADJ.A DAT M SG |
intelligent | to a discerning one | intelligent |
G4908-02 |
1 Corinthians 1:19 | συνετῶν | suneton | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
prudent | of the discerning | discerning ones |