### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγχαίρω (synchaírō, `{{G4796}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together with," and the verb χαίρω (chaírō, `{{G5463}}`), meaning "to rejoice" or "to be glad." This etymological construction immediately reveals its core meaning: to rejoice *with* someone, to share in another's joy, or to congratulate. Unlike χαίρω, which denotes individual gladness, συγχαίρω emphasizes a sympathetic and participatory joy. It signifies an emotional resonance where one's gladness is directly tied to, and in response to, the gladness of another. The semantic range thus extends beyond mere happiness to encompass empathy, solidarity, and communal celebration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συγχαίρω appears several times in the New Testament, consistently illustrating the concept of shared joy within a communal or relational context:
* **[[Luke 1:58]]**: "And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they *rejoiced with* her." This verse describes the communal celebration surrounding the birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth, highlighting a natural human response of shared gladness over divine favor. The joy is not isolated but extends outward to the community.
* **[[Luke 15:6]]**: "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘*Rejoice with* me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’"
* **[[Luke 15:9]]**: "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘*Rejoice with* me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’"
In these parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus uses συγχαίρω to illustrate the overwhelming joy of finding what was lost, and importantly, the desire to share that joy. The invitation to "rejoice with me" underscores the communal nature of heavenly joy over the repentance of a sinner.
* **[[1 Corinthians 12:26]]**: "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all *rejoice together*." This passage is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of the body of Christ. Paul uses συγχαίρω to describe the essential interconnectedness and mutual empathy within the church. The health and honor of one part bring joy to the whole, just as suffering in one part affects all. It is a call to genuine solidarity.
* **[[Philippians 2:17]]**: "Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and *rejoice with* you all."
* **[[Philippians 2:18]]**: "Likewise you also should be glad and *rejoice with* me."
Here, Paul expresses his own συγχαίρω with the Philippian believers, even in the face of his potential martyrdom. He then exhorts them to reciprocate this shared joy. This demonstrates a deep bond of affection and a spiritual maturity that allows joy to transcend personal circumstances and be rooted in the shared faith and divine purpose.
Across these occurrences, συγχαίρω consistently points to a joy that is relational, empathetic, and often communal, reflecting the interconnectedness of human and spiritual bonds.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is χαίρω (chaírō, `{{G5463}}`), the root verb for "to rejoice." The addition of σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`) transforms individual joy into shared or sympathetic joy. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nuance of συγχαίρω.
Other related concepts and words include:
* συνπάσχω (sympaschō, `{{G4841}}`): To suffer with. This is the direct parallel to συγχαίρω, emphasizing shared experience in both sorrow and joy within the Christian community.
* συνλυπέω (synlypeō, `{{G4903}}`): To grieve with.
* κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`): Fellowship, partnership, communion. συγχαίρω is a practical expression of true κοινωνία.
* ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō, `{{G21}}`): To exult, to leap for joy. While ἀγαλλιάω often signifies intense, demonstrative joy, συγχαίρω focuses on the shared aspect of that joy, regardless of its intensity.
* Empathy and compassion: συγχαίρω is the active expression of empathetic joy, mirroring the sorrowful empathy implied by "weep with those who weep" ([[Romans 12:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συγχαίρω is profound, particularly within the framework of Christian community and the nature of God.
1. **Divine Joy and Human Emulation:** The parables in Luke 15 reveal a God who συγχαίρω over the repentance of a single sinner. This portrays a relational and compassionate God whose joy is not solitary but shared with heavenly hosts ([[Luke 15:7]], [[Luke 15:10]]). Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute, finding joy in the spiritual victories and blessings of others.
2. **Unity and Interdependence of the Body of Christ:** As highlighted in [[1 Corinthians 12:26]], συγχαίρω is a vital characteristic of a healthy and unified church. It signifies a genuine spiritual bond where members are not indifferent to one another's fortunes but are deeply invested. This shared joy counters envy, jealousy, and division, fostering mutual love and edification. It underscores the truth that "we are members one of another" ([[Romans 12:5]]).
3. **Authentic Love and Fellowship:** True Christian love (ἀγάπη, agapē, `{{G26}}`) is not merely about enduring hardship together but also about celebrating success and blessing. συγχαίρω is an active demonstration of this love, confirming the authenticity of fellowship. It implies a selfless delight in the good of others, rather than a self-centered pursuit of one's own happiness.
4. **Resilience in Suffering:** As seen in Philippians, the ability to συγχαίρω even amidst personal suffering (Paul's impending martyrdom) or the struggles of others speaks to a joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in a shared faith and divine purpose. This shared joy can be a source of strength and encouragement in difficult times.
### Summary
συγχαίρω (synchaírō, `{{G4796}}`) is a powerful New Testament verb signifying "to rejoice with," "to sympathize in gladness," or "to congratulate." Formed from σύν ("with") and χαίρω ("to rejoice"), it distinctively emphasizes shared, empathetic, and communal joy, moving beyond mere individual happiness. Its biblical occurrences, notably in Luke's Gospel and Paul's epistles, consistently illustrate the importance of this shared rejoicing within human relationships and, most significantly, within the body of Christ. Theologically, συγχαίρω reflects the very nature of God's joy over repentance, underscores the essential unity and interdependence of believers, fosters authentic love and fellowship, and provides resilience in the face of adversity. It is a call to active participation in the joys of others, embodying the selfless and interconnected life of the Christian community.
TRV