συνετός
sunetos
intelligent
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word συνετός (sunetos), found four times in the New Testament, conveys the concept of being intelligent or perceptive. Its primary focus is on a person's capacity to understand, discern, and grasp situations or information. Looking at the occurrences of συνετός, we notice it's often used to describe individuals who demonstrate critical thinking and are not easily deceived. This suggests that the term is not merely about book-smart knowledge, but also about emotional intelligence and discernment. For example, in one instance, συνετός is used to describe those who genuinely understand the truth of God's plan (Romans 16:19), indicating a person's ability to grasp and authenticate complex ideas and messages. In essence, συνετός emphasizes the ability to think clearly and make well-informed decisions. Its significance lies in the idea that genuine understanding and discernment are essential for navigating life, whether it's in personal relationships, spiritual matters, or everyday challenges.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.
Luke 10:21In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.”
Acts 13:7who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God.
1 Corinthians 1:19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing.”