Agree

Greek Word Pronunciation: sum-pho-NAY-oh
Strong’s Number: 4856
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5244
Key Verse: “if two of you agree on earth ... it shall be done for them.” -- Matthew 18:19

Sumphoneo is a compound word of sun, “together,” and phone, “a sound,” literally, “to sound together.” Therefore, it came to mean “harmonious sound” in regard to musical instruments, and then “to be in accord” or “to agree.” Our English word “symphony” is derived from this word.

In the New Testament, the word occurs in its various forms a total of 9 times. 2 Corinthians 6:15 asks “what harmony has Christ with Belial (Satan), or a believer with an unbeliever.” In Luke 15:25, the prodigal son knows there is festivity in his father’s house when he heard “music” (flute playing) and dancing. In Luke 5:36 regarding a piece of cloth from a new garment on an old garment, the piece from the new “will not match the old.”

Matthew 20:2 says, “when he agreed with the laborers,” and 20:13, “did you not agree with me for a denarius.” In 1 Corinthians 7:5, husbands and wives were not to deprive one another except by agreement. Acts 5:9, Ananias and Sapphira “agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test.” They were in perfect agreement and equally guilty.

Acts 15:15 states “the words of the prophets agree.” The Jewish rabbis often failed to understand the prophets as Jesus Christ showed. James’ citing of the Amos 9:11,12 passage refers primarily to the restoration of the David empire, but also to the Messiah’s kingdom.

In the key verse, MATTHEW 18:19, “if two of you agree on earth ... it shall be done for them by My Father …,” God’s assent follows man’s agreement and is imparted as Jesus Christ is where two or three are gathered in His name (verse 20; into Christ as the common center of their desire and faith). Their united prayers will ascend, made mighty by the intercession of the Son of God. By His presence, it becomes His prayer.