ΣΥΝΘΗΚΗ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, the primary meaning of συνθήκη is “agreement, compact, treaty.” It derives from the verb συντίθημι (syntithēmi), meaning “to put together, compose, agree.” This fundamental concept of uniting elements or wills forms the core of the word, making it central to every form of organized social and political life.

In classical Greek literature, συνθήκη is extensively used to describe formal agreements between city-states, such as peace treaties or alliances, as widely attested in Thucydides and Xenophon. However, its usage is not limited to international relations but extends to private agreements, terms, and conditions, as well as broader conventions governing human behavior and relationships.

Its philosophical dimension is particularly evident in Plato, where the concept of the social contract emerges in dialogues such as the “Crito,” implying that laws and the polity are based on a tacit or explicit agreement among citizens. In Koine Greek, and especially in the Septuagint translation, συνθήκη is employed to render the Hebrew word בְּרִית (berit), meaning “covenant” or “alliance” between God and His people, thereby imbuing it with profound theological significance.

The meaning of the word evolves, always retaining the core of agreement and commitment. From a simple compact to a formal international treaty and a divine covenant, συνθήκη remains a cornerstone of Greek thought and culture, highlighting the human need for order, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

Main Meanings

1. Agreement, Compact, Alliance — The primary and broadest meaning, referring to any kind of agreement between two or more parties, whether private or public. Often used for international peace treaties or alliances.
2. Term, Condition, Stipulation — The specific terms or conditions laid down in an agreement or contract. That which has been 'placed together' as part of a compact.
3. Treaty of Peace or Alliance — A formal political agreement between city-states or nations, as recorded by historians like Thucydides and Xenophon.
4. Social Contract — A philosophical concept, particularly in Plato, suggesting a mutual agreement among citizens as the basis for laws and political organization.
5. Covenant, Testament (in Koine Greek) — In the Septuagint translation and the New Testament, often used to render the Hebrew 'berit' (covenant), referring to God's agreement with humanity.
6. Condition (as a state) — A state or condition that has been established or agreed upon, e.g., 'under these conditions.'

Word Family

syn- + tith- (root of τίθημι, meaning 'to place, set')

The root tith- (or thē-) is fundamental in the Greek language, expressing the act of 'placing,' i.e., positioning, arranging, creating. In combination with the prefix σύν- ('together, jointly'), this root generates a rich family of words revolving around the concepts of composition, agreement, organization, and establishment. Each member of the family develops a specific aspect of this fundamental action, from simple placement to more complex legal and philosophical notions.

In Ancient Texts

The significance of συνθήκη as a fundamental concept for the organization of society and relationships is highlighted in classical texts:

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΣΥΝΘΗΚΗ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
• Thucydides — Historiae (History of the Peloponnesian War), ed. H. Stuart Jones. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1900-1901.
• Plato — Opera, Vol. I, ed. John Burnet. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1900.
• Xenophon — Anabasis, ed. E. C. Marchant. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1904.
• Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
• Lampe, G. W. H. — A Patristic Greek Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1961.