Language Studies

Greek Thoughts

Suneidesis - Part 3 - συνείδησις (Strong's #4893)
Conscience

Please note that all Biblical quotes, in this and all other lessons posted to Greek Thoughts, are from The Literal English Translation of the Bible produced by BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America. (**English vowel key and syllable accents are given at the end of the article.)

We are continuing with our study of συνείδησις (Strong' s #4893, pronounced “sön ā dā sēs”), which means “conscience” or “to be consciously aware.” This Greek word is compounded from σύν (Strong' s #4862, pronounced " sön" ), which is a preposition meaning " with," and οἶδα (Strong' s #1492, pronounced “oi dä”) meaning " to know" or " to comprehend." Basically, συνείδησις means " to know with something else " but a translation more readily understood in English would be " to know something about one' s self" or " to be conscious of something."

At this point in our study, we understand that the conscience is an information gathering device within the mind and that a Godly conscience is developed through growth stages that are attained through the study of God' s Word. We also understand that Paul identified two stages in the development of a Christian’s conscience, which he termed “the weaker” and “the stronger.”

Romans 14:1
Now the one being weak in the faith receive, not for judgment of opinions.

Romans 14:11-13
11And is the brother who is weak being destroyed over your knowledge, on account of whom Christ died? 12And in this way while sinning against the brothers, and wounding their conscience (συνείδησις) being weak, you are sinning against Christ. 13On account of which if food is causing my brother to stumble, I will never eat flesh forever, in order that I should not offend my brother.

Romans 15:1
We ourselves who are strong are indebted to carry the weaknesses of the ones who are without strength, and to not please ourselves,

We saw, from the preceding verses, Paul’s teaching that the mature believer (the one whose conscience has been informed by the Word of God as to his liberty in Christ) is responsible to live in such a way that the conscience of a another is not offended (whether the weaker believer’s conscience is correct in its judgment and evaluation or not).

This week we continue to study from Paul' s writings looking at what he communicated to the Corinthians, in which he addressed a problem that could cause a stronger believer to be insensitive to a weaker one. He presents the details in 1Corinthians, chapters 8-10. Because the text is so lengthy we will not print it in its entirety here but ask that you refer to your Bible for the complete text (The King James and The New King James versions will most closely resemble BTE’s Literal English Translation of the Bible.)

1 Corinthians 8:1
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

In this short verse, Paul teaches a principle concerning both the weaker and stronger states of the Christian conscience. The weaker person develops in knowledge, but also develops pride and this will happen before he develops in love. The stronger Christian will have knowledge but will be motivated by love having a concern for the spiritual development of those he influences.

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses himself as an example of this principle. He refers to both the Old Testament, as well as to the words of Jesus Himself, when he (Paul) says that a person who ministers God' s Word should be financially supported by those who are receiving from that person’s ministry. But he goes on to state, in mid-chapter, that he used none of the scripture references giving him the right to be supported by them, because of his ministry to them in order that they not be hindered when hearing the Gospel. Paul’s conscience had been formed with an understanding from both the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus, that he had a right to expect recompense from those to whom he ministered but he loved them enough to relinquish this right, in order that the Gospel not be hindered.

1 Corinthians 10:27-29
27 If anyone of the unbelievers invites you to a feast, and you desire to go everything being set before you, eat, asking nothing on account of the conscience. 28 But if anyone should say to you, This is offered as a sacrifice to an idol, do not eat on account of that one who had pointed it out, and the conscience: for the earth is of the Lord, and the fullness of it: 29 But conscience, I say, not the conscience of yourself, but the conscience of the other: for why is my liberty being judged by another' s conscience?

Paul further clarifies the application of this principle in 1 Corinthians 10:27-29. He instructs a believer who is invited to a feast given by a non-believer, to eat whatever is set before him, when the origin of the meat has not been revealed. The believer is not to ask about it for conscience (συνείδησις) sake. However, Paul then states that if the one offering the meat reveals that it has been sacrificed to idols, then the believer should not eat it for the sake of the one who revealed it, for conscience (συνείδησις) sake. Paul then clarifies that he should not eat the sacrificed meat for his own conscience, but for the conscience of the one who informed him.

1 Corinthians 10:29-30
29 But conscience, I say, not the conscience of yourself, but the conscience of the other: for why is my liberty being judged by another' s conscience? 30 For if I by grace am partaking, why am I evil spoken of for that on behalf of which I give thanks?

Paul then directs some questions, recorded in 1 Corinthians 10:29-30, aimed at bringing the stronger believer to an understanding of love being expressed toward those who have weaker consciences:" …for why is my liberty judged by another man' s conscience (συνείδησις)? For if I by grace am partaking, why am I evil spoken of for that on behalf of which I give thanks?" With these questions, Paul expresses the complexity of having the knowledge that what one is eating is from the Lord, but is faced with a situation where another person identifies what he is doing with idol worship, even though Paul himself is not participating in the worship of an idol.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or anything you do, do all things for the glory of God. 32 Become without offence, both to Jews, and to Greeks, and to the church of God: 33 According as I please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of the many, in order that they might be saved.

Paul’s conclusion, in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, reveals that selfless love is the mature Christian’s motivation in approach to material things (1 Corinthians 8:1) he is not to give offense or seek to please himself but is rather to seek the benefit of others, that they might be saved.

In these texts, Paul teaches a very important principle: the responsibility of the stronger believer is to put the knowledge of his freedom in Christ aside (while not compromising the truth) in order to make decisions based on how his actions will affect others. The measure of Christian love is self sacrifice.

Next week we will continue this study as we look at other conditions of the conscience that are presented in the New Testament.

*SUNEIDESIS is the English font spelling of the Greek word συνείδησις.

**English pronunciation of vowel sounds & accented syllables: āle, ăm, fäther ēve, ĕnd īce, ǐll ōld, ǒdd, whö oi as in oil ow as in cow ūse, ŭp, rüde.

Bold type indicates an accented syllable.

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