### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκαταβαίνω (transliterated *synkatabaínō*, Strong's `{{G4782}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (`{{G4862}}`, "with," "together with") and the verb καταβαίνω (`{{G2597}}`, "to go down," "to descend"). Therefore, its core meaning is "to descend in company with," or "to go down together with." The prefix σύν emphasizes the aspect of shared movement, association, or participation alongside another. The semantic range is quite narrow and literal, primarily denoting a physical descent undertaken jointly. It implies a shared journey or a common destination reached by descending.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συγκαταβαίνω appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 25:5]]**: "Let your leaders, therefore, *go down with* me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them prosecute him."
In this context, the Roman governor Festus, having arrived in Caesarea, is addressing the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. He invites them to accompany him on his journey from Jerusalem (a higher elevation) to Caesarea (a city on the coast, at sea level). The physical "going down" is literal. Furthermore, Festus's invitation carries the implication of participation in the legal process concerning Paul. The Jewish leaders are invited to "go down with" him not merely as travel companions, but as accusers who will present their case against Paul. The word underscores the necessity of their physical presence and active participation in the judicial proceedings. It highlights a shared journey and a shared purpose, even if that purpose is adversarial.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding συγκαταβαίνω is enhanced by considering its constituent parts and related terms:
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`**: This preposition is prolific in the New Testament, always denoting association, companionship, or union. It signifies "with," "together with," or "in company with," and is a key component in numerous compound verbs that express joint action (e.g., συμπροσεύχομαι - *symproseuchomai*, to pray with; συζάω - *syzaō*, to live with). Its presence in συγκαταβαίνω emphasizes the shared nature of the descent.
* **καταβαίνω (katabaínō) `{{G2597}}`**: This verb means "to go down," "to descend." It is used frequently for physical descent (e.g., from a mountain, into a house, into water) but also metaphorically (e.g., the Holy Spirit descending, Christ descending into the lower parts of the earth). In συγκαταβαίνω, the descent is primarily literal.
* **Words of Accompanying/Journeying**: Other verbs that convey the idea of traveling or being with someone include:
* συμπορεύομαι (*symporeuomai*) `{{G4843}}`: to journey with, go along with.
* συνέρχομαι (*synerchomai*) `{{G4887}}`: to come together, assemble with.
* συμπέμπω (*sympempō*) `{{G4842}}`: to send with.
The concept illuminated by συγκαταβαίνω is one of shared movement and participation, particularly in the context of a downward trajectory, whether literal or involving a shared involvement in a process.
### Theological Significance
While συγκαταβαίνω appears only once in a seemingly administrative context, its singular usage in [[Acts 25:5]] offers subtle theological insights. It underscores the practicalities of human interaction and legal process within the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
1. **Human Responsibility and Presence**: The governor's request for the Jewish leaders to "go down with" him highlights the necessity of human presence and active participation in matters of justice and accusation. It implicitly teaches that claims require accusers to be present and engaged, rather than merely making distant complaints. This aligns with biblical principles of due process and witness.
2. **Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs**: Even in a seemingly mundane request for travel and legal attendance, God's sovereign hand is at work. The journey of Paul, the accusations against him, and the various legal proceedings are all part of God's plan to bring the gospel to Rome. The word, though simple, is part of the precise language used to describe the human actions that contribute to this larger divine purpose.
3. **Solidarity (Even in Opposition)**: The word implies a form of solidarity in action, even if the parties (Festus and the Jewish leaders) have different ultimate aims. The leaders must "go down with" Festus to fulfill their adversarial role. This can be seen as an illustration of how individuals, even those in opposition, are often brought into shared spaces or actions as part of a larger divine narrative.
Thus, while not a term of profound theological doctrine, συγκαταβαίνω serves as a precise descriptor of human action that contributes to the detailed tapestry of biblical narrative, reflecting the practical outworking of human responsibility and divine orchestration.
### Summary
The Greek verb συγκαταβαίνω (`{{G4782}}`) precisely conveys the action of "descending in company with" or "going down together." Its single occurrence in [[Acts 25:5]] depicts the literal descent of Jewish leaders from Jerusalem to Caesarea alongside Governor Festus, emphasizing their necessary presence and participation in Paul's legal proceedings. This compound word, built from σύν (`{{G4862}}`, "with") and καταβαίνω (`{{G2597}}`, "to descend"), highlights shared movement and involvement. Though rare, its usage illustrates the meticulous detail of the biblical narrative, underscoring principles of human responsibility, the practicalities of legal process, and the subtle ways in which human actions, even in opposition, contribute to the sovereign purposes of God. The precision of this term, like all biblical words, offers a window into the exact nature of the events described.
TRV