συμφώνησις

From the study of 2 Corinthians 6:15

Range of meaning

Agreement, accord, being of one mind. It is formed from σύν ('together') and φωνή ('sound, voice'), so its root picture is sounds that blend. Related words in the same family were used for:

• musical concord
• witnesses whose accounts match
• parties who have agreed on terms

Against the English

KJV has 'concord,' NIV and BSB 'harmony,' WEB 'agreement,' ESV 'accord.' All are accurate. 'Harmony' keeps the musical root. 'Agreement' keeps the sense of coming to terms. The English word 'symphony' comes from the same family, but the musical image should not be pushed too far, because ordinary Greek usage leaned toward plain agreement.

Used elsewhere in the period

The noun itself is extremely rare: it appears only here in the New Testament, is absent from the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), and is barely found in Greek before Paul (BDAG). Its relatives are common:

• The verb συμφωνέω means 'agree on terms' (Matt 20:2, 13, wages), 'match' (Luke 5:36, a patch that does not match), and 'agree, accord' (Acts 5:9; 15:15).
• The phrase ἐκ συμφώνου means 'by mutual agreement' (1 Cor 7:5).
• In the papyri, the word family is used for agreed contract terms.