συναίρω

From the study of Matthew 25:19

Range of meaning

συναίρω on its own means "to take up together" or "to join in lifting." With λόγος ("account") it forms a set commercial phrase: to reckon up accounts, compare the books, and settle what is owed. The phrase belongs to the language of business and household management.

Against the English

"Settled accounts" (BSB, WEB, NIV, ESV, NASB) is accurate. KJV "reckoneth with them" and YLT "taketh reckoning" were accurate in their day, though "reckon" now often means "suppose." Paraphrases such as NLT's "called them to give an account" get the meaning across but lose the sense of a technical audit.

How it drifted

Little real drift. The main risk is that readers of the KJV hear "reckon" as "think" or "guess."

Used elsewhere in the period

The same phrase appears in Greek papyrus business letters of the Roman period. Moulton & Milligan and Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East) cite examples such as P.Oxy. I 113, where one writer asks that the two parties "settle accounts." In the New Testament, συναίρω is found only in Matthew: 18:23–24 (the king who "wished to settle accounts with his slaves") and here.

From the study of Matthew 18:23

Range of meaning

Συναίρω is literally 'to take up together'. With λόγον, 'account', it is a fixed commercial idiom meaning to settle or reconcile accounts, to audit and close the books.

Against the English

'Settle accounts' (BSB, NIV, WEB) is accurate. KJV 'take account' is close but sounds more like inspecting than settling.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the NT the phrase occurs only in Matthew (18:23–24; 25:19, in the parable of the talents). Moulton & Milligan and BDAG cite it from Greek business papyri as an everyday bookkeeping term.

From the study of Matthew 18:24

Range of meaning

'To take up an account together, to settle accounts, to compare the books.' It is a technical commercial phrase. In the NT it appears only in Matthew (18:23, 24; 25:19).

Against the English

KJV 'reckon' and YLT 'take account' are fine. BSB 'began the settlements' and WEB 'begun to settle' also convey the bookkeeping sense. None of these is misleading.

Used elsewhere in the period

Moulton and Milligan cite the phrase in Greek business papyri from Egypt, for an owner or official going over a steward's accounts. Matt 25:19 uses it for the master returning to settle with the servants entrusted with talents.