Bringing together an expedient analogy

There are two ancient Greek words that appear similar but have different meanings. These meaning have appear to have been confused both in the translation of the GNT (Greek New Testament) and of other ancient Greek writings.

The ancient Greek word "συμφέρω" ≈ "bring together, work with, to be carried along with" and means, literally, "carry together". Jesus appears to use this word as an analogy that is "carried together" to get a better understanding of each part.

Jesus and John use this word as an analogy of two similar things.
Paul and Aristotle use this word as "carried together" as a "combination" but it (often) gets translated as the following word.

The above word is often confused with the ancient Greek word "σύμφορος" ≈ "useful, profitable, expedient, suitable" which comes from a different and older Attic Greek word "ξύμφορος" ≈ "useful, profitable, expedient". The TR (Textus Receptus) sometimes changes the word for "bring together" with the word for "useful", "profitable", etc.

Paul uses this word correctly, but it often gets translated as the previous word.

Strongs appears to merge these words to the same word, providing the literal meaning of one word and then dancing around to include the definition of the second different word.

*G4851 *17 συμφέρω (soom-fer'-o) : from G4862 and G5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage:--be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for).

There are two Greek words that are considered opposites but, like idioms, the meaning of the components does not capture the meaning of the words. Do you understand? What are you standing under?

"διαφέρω" ≈ "carried through, different" with a sense of a "different" way or type as in it "makes a difference".
"συμφέρω" ≈ "bring together, work with, to be carried along with". Jesus appears to use this word as an analogy or similarity in an indirect sense that is "carried together" to get a better understanding of each part.

A more common Greek word for "same" or "similar" in a direct sense is "ὅμοιος" ≈ "similar, like, resembling" and comes from the ancient Greek word "ὁμός" ≈ "same, common".

More: Same as in like or similar

Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]

μη ουν φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε υμεις [gnt]

12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. [kjv]

ποσω ουν διαφερει ανθρωπος προβατου ωστε εξεστιν τοις σαββασιν καλως ποιειν [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "διαφέρω" ≈ "carried through, different" with a sense of a "different" way or type as in it "makes a difference".
In many places, the Latin Vulgate changed "different" to "better".

... you are different (not better) than many of the sparrows.
... how different (not better) is a man (than) a sheep.

The word comes from two Greek words.

The ancient Greek prefix "δια" ≈ "through, between" as in the English word "diameter".
The ancient Greek word "φέρω" ≈ "bring, carry" and is related to the English word "bear" (as in carrying something) and the Latin word "fero" ≈ "bear, carry".

The modern Greek word "διαφέρω" (thee-a-FEH-ro) ≈ "differ, be different".

More: Deferring on a difference of opinion on differences

*G4851 *17 συμφέρω (soom-fer'-o) : from G4862 and G5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage:--be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for).

Usage

All

συμφερει *10

Matthew 5:29 ... it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one ...
Matthew 5:30 ... it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one ...
Matthew 18:6 ... which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone ...
Matthew 19:10 ... with his wife, it is not good to marry.
John 11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one ...
John 16:7 ... tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I ...
John 18:14 ... gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die ...
1 Corinthians 6:12 ... but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful ...
1 Corinthians 10:23 ... but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful ...
2 Corinthians 8:10 ... my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, ...

συμφερον *3

1 Corinthians 12:7 ... is given to every man to profit withal.
2 Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless ...
Hebrews 12:10 ... but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of ...

συμφορον *2

1 Corinthians 7:35 ... for your own profit; not that I may cast ...
1 Corinthians 10:33 ... things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, ...

συνενεγκαντες

Acts 19:19 ... also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before ...

συμφεροντων

Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, ...

*G4851 *17 συμφέρω (soom-fer'-o) : from G4862 and G5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage:--be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for).

Words: συμφερει=10 συμφερον=3 συμφεροντων συμφορον=2 συνενεγκαντες

The ancient Greek word "συμφέρω" ≈ "bring together, work with, to be carried along with" and comes from two words.

The prefix "συν" ≈ "with" or "συμ" ≈ "with" as in the English words "synergy" or "symphony".
The word "φέρω" ≈ "bring, carry, bear" and is related to the English word "bear" (as in carrying something).

This word has a positive connotation. A word from this word is the ancient Greek word "συμφορά" ≈ "bringing together"as in an "event" or "circumstance" but is rarely in a good sense and thus has a negative connotation.

Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, [kjv]

ως ουδεν υπεστειλαμην των συμφεροντων του μη αναγγειλαι υμιν και διδαξαι υμας δημοσια και κατ οικους [gnt]

Which idea did Paul mean?

kept back nothing that was profitable unto you ...

kept back nothing that was carried together unto you ...

How does the meaning selected change the meaning of what Paul is saying?

Acts 20:20

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KJV: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Greek: ως ουδεν υπεστειλαμην των συμφεροντων του μη αναγγειλαι υμιν και διδαξαι υμας δημοσια και κατ οικους

1 Corinthians 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. [kjv]

τουτο δε προς το υμων αυτων συμφορον λεγω ουχ ινα βροχον υμιν επιβαλω αλλα προς το ευσχημον και ευπαρεδρον τω κυριω απερισπαστως [gnt]

The second "profit" in the KJV (King James Version) is inferred. The Greek uses a pronoun.

The ancient Greek word "σύμφορος" ≈ "useful, profitable, expedient, suitable" and not "carry together".

The TR changes the Greek word for "profit" to the Greek word for "carry together" but it then gets translated incorrectly to the correct meaning of the original word as "profit".

1 Corinthians 7:35

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KJV: And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Greek: τουτο δε προς το υμων αυτων συμφερον συμφορον λεγω ουχ ινα βροχον υμιν επιβαλω αλλα προς το ευσχημον και ευπροσεδρον ευπαρεδρον τω κυριω απερισπαστως

Paul makes similar comments in two different verses. The Greek word for "law" is not used in these verses.

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. [kjv]

παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα συμφερει παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ουκ εγω εξουσιασθησομαι υπο τινος [gnt]

… expediunt … [v]

10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. [kjv]

παντα εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα συμφερει παντα εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα οικοδομει [gnt]

In both cases, it is the negation of "carry together".

It appears Paul will not "carry together" these things.

1 Corinthians 6:12

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KJV: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Greek: παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα συμφερει παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ουκ εγω εξουσιασθησομαι υπο τινος

Latin: omnia mihi licent sed non omnia expediunt omnia mihi licent sed ego sub nullius redigar potestate

1 Corinthians 10:23

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KJV: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Greek: παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα συμφερει παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα οικοδομει

1 Corinthians 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. [kjv]

καθως καγω παντα πασιν αρεσκω μη ζητων το εμαυτου συμφορον αλλα το των πολλων ινα σωθωσιν [gnt]

Is it good to try to "please" "all" men? What might Paul mean?

The second "profit" in the KJV is inferred. The Greek uses a pronoun.

The ancient Greek word "σύμφορος" ≈ "useful, profitable, expedient, suitable" and not "carry together".

The TR changes the Greek word for "profit" to the Greek word for "carry together" but it then gets translated incorrectly to the correct meaning of the original word as "profit".

1 Corinthians 10:33

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KJV: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Greek: καθως καγω παντα πασιν αρεσκω μη ζητων το εμαυτου συμφερον συμφορον αλλα το των πολλων ινα σωθωσιν

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [kjv]

εκαστω δε διδοται η φανερωσις του πνευματος προς το συμφερον [gnt]

given to every man to profit with.

profit

given to every man to carry together with.

"carry together"

not

1 Corinthians 12:7

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KJV: But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Greek: εκαστω δε διδοται η φανερωσις του πνευματος προς το συμφερον

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. [kjv]

8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. [kjv]

και γνωμην εν τουτω διδωμι τουτο γαρ υμιν συμφερει οιτινες ου μονον το ποιησαι αλλα και το θελειν προενηρξασθε απο περυσι [gnt]

8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. [kjv]

Can the meaning of "carried together" fit what Paul is saying?

Paul uses the word for "carry together" but the translation is of "expedient". When Paul wants to mean "expedient" he uses that Greek word. Why would Paul not used that word here if that is what he meant?

2 Corinthians 8:9

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KJV: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Greek: γινωσκετε γαρ την χαριν του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου οτι δι υμας επτωχευσεν πλουσιος ων ινα υμεις τη εκεινου πτωχεια πλουτησητε

2 Corinthians 8:10

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KJV: And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Greek: και γνωμην εν τουτω διδωμι τουτο γαρ υμιν συμφερει οιτινες ου μονον το ποιησαι αλλα και το θελειν προενηρξασθε απο περυσι

2 Corinthians 8:11

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KJV: Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Greek: νυνι δε και το ποιησαι επιτελεσατε οπως καθαπερ η προθυμια του θελειν ουτως και το επιτελεσαι εκ του εχειν

2 Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. [kjv]

καυχασθαι δει ου συμφερον μεν ελευσομαι δε εις οπτασιας και αποκαλυψεις κυριου [gnt]

… expedit … [v]

Paul uses the Greek word for "carry together".

What are the things "carried together"?

a.

visions

b.

revelations

2 Corinthians 12:1

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KJV: It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Greek: καυχασθαι δη δει ου συμφερει μοι συμφερον μεν ελευσομαι γαρ δε εις οπτασιας και αποκαλυψεις κυριου

Latin: si gloriari oportet non expedit quidem veniam autem ad visiones et revelationes Domini

John 11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. [kjv]

ουδε λογιζεσθε οτι συμφερει υμιν ινα εις ανθρωπος αποθανη υπερ του λαου και μη ολον το εθνος αποληται [gnt]

… expedit … [v]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. one man should die.
b. the entire nation (of the Jews in Judea) perish not.

John 11:50

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KJV: Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Greek: ουδε διαλογιζεσθε λογιζεσθε οτι συμφερει ημιν υμιν ινα εις ανθρωπος αποθανη υπερ του λαου και μη ολον το εθνος αποληται

Latin: nec cogitatis quia expedit nobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo et non tota gens pereat

John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. [kjv]

ην δε καιαφας ο συμβουλευσας τοις ιουδαιοις οτι συμφερει ενα ανθρωπον αποθανειν υπερ του λαου [gnt]

… expedit … [v]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. One man should die for the people.

John combines the two parts from John 11:50 into one statement.

John 18:14

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KJV: Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Greek: ην δε καιαφας ο συμβουλευσας τοις ιουδαιοις οτι συμφερει ενα ανθρωπον απολεσθαι αποθανειν υπερ του λαου

Latin: erat autem Caiaphas qui consilium dederat Iudaeis quia expedit unum hominem mori pro populo

Jesus is talking to the disciples at the Last Supper.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. [kjv]

αλλ εγω την αληθειαν λεγω υμιν συμφερει υμιν ινα εγω απελθω εαν γαρ μη απελθω ο παρακλητος ου μη ελθη προς υμας εαν δε πορευθω πεμψω αυτον προς υμας [gnt]

… expedit … [v]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. I go away, the comforter will not come.
b. I depart, I will send him to you.

Compare and contrast these two statements.

John 16:7

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KJV: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Greek: αλλ εγω την αληθειαν λεγω υμιν συμφερει υμιν ινα εγω απελθω εαν γαρ μη απελθω ο παρακλητος ουκ ελευσεται ου μη ελθη προς υμας εαν δε πορευθω πεμψω αυτον προς υμας

Latin: sed ego veritatem dico vobis expedit vobis ut ego vadam si enim non abiero paracletus non veniet ad vos si autem abiero mittam eum ad vos

Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [kjv]

ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. pluck the eye out and cast it from thee
b. a member should perish and not the whole body

These statements are in the presence of disciples during the Sermon on the Mount. When in public and in the presence of the religious elite, Jesus will change the "carrying together" to "good" (but not "better").

More: Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out

Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [kjv]

και ει η δεξια σου χειρ σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτην και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου εις γεενναν απελθη [gnt]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. cut off the hand and cast it from thee
b. a member should perish and not the whole body

These statements are in the presence of disciples during the Sermon on the Mount. When in public and in the presence of the religious elite, Jesus will change the "carrying together" to "good" (but not "better").

More: Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out

Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. [kjv]

19:10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [kjv]

λεγουσιν αυτω οι μαθηται ει ουτως εστιν η αιτια του ανθρωπου μετα της γυναικος ου συμφερει γαμησαι [gnt]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. put away wife except for fornication ...
b. ... do not marry.

The disciples use the negation of "carry together". The disciples appear to be considering only the literal aspect of what Jesus is saying. Their solution is that of "carrying together" a solution to part of the problem, the part they perceive.

Matthew 19:9

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KJV: And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Greek: λεγω δε υμιν οτι ος αν απολυση την γυναικα αυτου ει μη επι πορνεια και γαμηση αλλην μοιχαται και ο απολελυμενην γαμησας μοιχαται

Matthew 19:10

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KJV: His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

Greek: λεγουσιν αυτω οι μαθηται αυτου ει ουτως εστιν η αιτια του ανθρωπου μετα της γυναικος ου συμφερει γαμησαι

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

*	Masc. Sing.	Masc. Plural	Fem. Sing.	Fem. Plural	Neuter Sing.	Neuter Plural
Nom.	αὐτὁς	αὐτοί	αὐτἡ	αὐταί	αὐτό	αὐτά
Gen.	αὐτοῦ	αὐτῶν	αὐτῆς	αὐτῶν	αὐτοῦ	αὐτῶν
Dat.	αὐτῷ	αὐτοῖς	αὐτῇ	αὐταῖς	αὐτῷ	αὐτοῖς
Acc.	αὐτόν	αὐτούς	αὐτήν	αὐτάς	αὐτό	αὐτά

The Greek masculine and neuter case endings are different for nominative and accusative but the same for genitive and dative.
If Jesus had used the nominative or accusative case, what Jesus said would have been unambiguous. But Jesus used the dative and then the genitive case, which can be ambiguous. Was this accidental?

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

The word for "little one" is neuter. The "one" would be singular.
The Greek words translated masculine "him" and "he" referring to "whoso" could instead be translated as neuter "it" referring to the "one" "little one".

Why was masculine chosen over neuter? Might it have something to do with translating as "better", which implies a value judgment, the Greek word that means "carry together" and that is used as a similarity comparison by Jesus.

Why did Jesus phrase what he said using the ambiguous genitive and dative cases rather than the unambiguous nominative or accusative cases?

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.
To match the previous pattern of both a and b saying the same thing, one has the following.

a. ... ensnare one of these little ones (believer) that believe in Jesus..
b. ... hang a millstone about the neck (of a little one) and drown him (the little one) in the sea of the sea.

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

A similar statement today might be the following. Note that, from the previous verse, the "little one" or "believer" has Jesus inside as part of them.

b. ... throw the little one (believer) under the bus.
b. ... throw Jesus under the bus.

Why would the person doing the entrapment do this to a little one (and Jesus)?

To be great (at the expense of someone else).

Does it change how one views the meaning when it is changed from the one doing it (somewhat abstract) to the one entrapped (which is explicit and could be you)?

Hebrews 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [kjv]

οι μεν γαρ προς ολιγας ημερας κατα το δοκουν αυτοις επαιδευον ο δε επι το συμφερον εις το μεταλαβειν της αγιοτητος αυτου [gnt]

Hebrews uses the word for "carry together" but the translation is of the word for "profit" which fits what is said.

There do not appear to be two clear choices as is usual for the "carry together" word.

This might happen if the incorrect meaning for the "carry together" word has changed over time to the "profit". Paul knows the difference from the way he uses both words. One explanation here is that the disputed book of Hebrews might not have been written by Paul but by someone who wrote long enough after Paul such that the word meaning change had taken place.

Hebrews 12:10

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KJV: For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Greek: οι μεν γαρ προς ολιγας ημερας κατα το δοκουν αυτοις επαιδευον ο δε επι το συμφερον εις το μεταλαβειν της αγιοτητος αυτου

English: ... Do not withdraw within yourselves and live alone, as though you were already justified, but gather together and seek out together the common good. (Holmes, p. 391)

Greek: … μὴ καθ’ ἑαυτοὺς ἐνδύνοντες μονάζετε ὡς ἤδη δεδικαιωμένοι, ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ συνερχόμενοι συνζητεῖτε περὶ τοῦ κοινῇ συμφέροντος. Epistle of _Barnabas [4.10]

Barnes: and seek out together the common good.
Word change: and seek out together the common carrying together

What is the common "good"?

What might be the "carrying together"? Could it be "carrying together" certain loads, burdens, etc.