συγγνώμη

From the study of 1 Corinthians 7:6

Range of meaning

The word is built from syn ("with") and gnōmē ("judgment, way of thinking"). Its root idea is "thinking along with someone," seeing a thing from their side. In Greek usage the range runs: (1) pardon, forgiveness for a fault, especially one done under pressure or without intent; (2) indulgence, forbearance, making allowances, as when a writer asks readers to go easy on his shortcomings; (3) permission, allowance: a leniency granted, as opposed to a requirement. In this verse sense (3) clearly fits, because it is set against "command."

Against the English

BSB, WEB, NIV, ESV and NASB say "concession". KJV says "permission". YLT has "concurrence," which leans on the "with-thinking" root and may hint at the "mutual consent" of verse 5, but no ordinary Greek usage supports "agreement" as the meaning. The Latin Vulgate's indulgentia and the Old Latin venia ("pardon") pushed later readers toward sense (1).

How it drifted

From Latin venia ("pardon"), Augustine argued that because Paul grants pardon, what he allows must involve some fault (Enchiridion 78). For centuries that turned this verse into a proof that marital intercourse not aimed at children is a small sin. In modern English, "concession" can also suggest giving in reluctantly in a dispute. Neither idea comes from the Greek, which here sets permission against obligation.

Used elsewhere in the period

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics III.1) uses it for the pardon extended to involuntary acts. The prologue to Sirach in the Greek Old Testament asks readers to "have indulgence" (sungnōmēn echein) toward the translator's imperfect work: allowance, not forgiveness of sin. It is common in Hellenistic prose and papyri for "leniency, making allowance." New Testament: only here.