Bible Dictionary
AGREE
To agree means to share the same mind, reach mutual understanding, or be in harmony. In prayer, agreement describes united petition brought into harmony with God’s will.
Definition
To agree means to be of the same mind, reach a mutual understanding, or be in harmony. It can also convey equality or correspondence between statements or actions.
Biblical Usage
The word describes agreement in ordinary matters, testimony that corresponds, and the united petition of believers. In Matthew 18:19 it denotes inward harmony between two people and the Father, produced by the Holy Spirit.
Historical Background
The Greek term used for harmonious agreement is the source of the English word “symphony,” emphasizing complete and harmonious blending.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-gre' (sumphoneo, "to be of the same mind," "to come to a mutual understanding"): This is the sense of the word in Mt 20:2; Joh 9:22, and other passages. In Mr 14:56 the word is isos and has the thought not only that their words did not agree, but also that the testimony was not in agreement with or equal to what the law required in such a case. The thought of being equal occurs also in 1Joh 5:8.</p><p>The figurative use of the word in Mt 18:19 makes it of special interest. The word there is sumphoneo, from which comes our word symphony, meaning a harmonious blending. This agreement therefore is complete. Three persons are introduced: two human beings and the Father. They are in perfect agreement on the subject or purpose under consideration. It is therefore an inward unity produced by the Holy Spirit leading the two into such an agreement with the Father. There will follow then, as a matter of course, what is promised in Mt 18:19,20. In Ac 5:9 it sets forth the justice of Peter in dealing in the same manner in both cases. Ananias and Sapphira were in perfect agreement and equally guilty (Lu 5:36; Ac 15:15).</p><p>Jacob W. Kapp</p>