### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synkeránnymi**, represented by `{{G4786}}`, means to **commingle** or **combine**. It is formed from `σύν` and `κεράννυμι` and is defined as "to commingle, i.e. (figuratively) to combine or assimilate:--mix with, temper together." This word appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. It conveys the idea of a necessary blending or tempering of elements to create a functional or effective whole.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4786}}` illustrates a crucial spiritual principle. In [[Hebrews 4:2]], the gospel message did not **profit** those who heard it because the word was not **"mixed with faith"**. This highlights that hearing the truth is insufficient unless it is combined with personal **faith** `{{G4102}}`. In [[1 Corinthians 12:24]], the term is used to describe how God has **"tempered the body together"**. Here, God is shown as the one who intentionally combines the different parts of the body, specifically by giving greater honor to the parts that were perceived as lacking.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of purposeful combination:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): Defined as "persuasion... reliance upon Christ for salvation." It is the essential element that must be **mixed** with the preached word for it to be effective [[Hebrews 4:2]].
* `{{G1325}}` **dídōmi** (to give): This word, meaning **to give**, is central to the act of tempering the body together, as God has **"given more abundant honour"** to certain parts [[1 Corinthians 12:24]].
* `{{G5302}}` **hysteréō** (to fall short): This describes the state of the parts that receive more honor in God's tempering process, meaning **"to fall short (be deficient)"**. God's act of combining the body elevates the part which **lacked** [[1 Corinthians 12:24]].
* `{{G5623}}` **ōpheléō** (to benefit): This word for profit or benefit shows the result of a proper mixture. The preached word did not **profit** because it was not mixed with faith [[Hebrews 4:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4786}}` is significant in two primary areas:
* **The Activation of the Gospel:** The word emphasizes that the gospel message, though preached, remains inert without a proper response. It must be **mixed** with **faith** `{{G4102}}` within the one who **heard** `{{G191}}` to become profitable [[Hebrews 4:2]]. This shows that salvation is not a passive reception of information but an active assimilation of truth.
* **Divine Sovereignty in the Church:** The term is used to describe God's deliberate work in forming the body of Christ. God **"tempered the body together"** [[1 Corinthians 12:24]], a process that involves **giving** `{{G1325}}` more **honour** `{{G5092}}` to the parts that **lacked** `{{G5302}}`. This points to a divinely orchestrated unity where every member is intentionally combined to create a complete and honored whole.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4786}}` is more than a simple word for mixing. It describes a purposeful and essential blending. Biblically, it is used to show that the gospel only becomes beneficial when it is **mixed with faith** in the hearer [[Hebrews 4:2]]. It also illustrates God's intentional design in **tempering** the church together, creating a unified body where all parts are honored and assimilated for a greater purpose [[1 Corinthians 12:24]]. The word thus highlights a fundamental truth: spiritual effectiveness and communal harmony are the result of a divinely intended combination.
TRV