σύνεσις
sunesis
understanding
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word σύνεσις (sunesis) is a noun that conveys the concept of understanding. It is used seven times in the Bible, indicating its importance in various contexts. In essence, σύνεσις refers to the ability to comprehend or grasp a particular idea, concept, or situation. The word σύνεσις is used in a range of situations, from intellectual understanding to spiritual comprehension. It is often associated with the ability to discern or perceive truth, wisdom, or knowledge. This suggests that σύνεσις is not just a passive reception of information, but an active process of interpretation and insight. The significance of σύνεσις lies in its connection to wisdom, discernment, and spiritual growth. In the biblical context, it is often linked to the ability to understand and apply God's word, demonstrating the importance of spiritual understanding in one's life.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Luke 2:47All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
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.”
Ephesians 3:4by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
Colossians 1:9For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Colossians 2:2that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
2 Timothy 2:7Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.