### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συζωοποιέω (syzōopoiéō, `{{G4806}}`) is a compound word derived from two distinct elements: the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together with," and the verb ζωοποιέω (zōopoiéō, `{{G2227}}`), meaning "to make alive" or "to quicken." Thus, the core meaning of συζωοποιέω is "to make alive together with" or "to quicken conjointly with." This compound specifically emphasizes a shared or co-participatory vivification. The semantic range of this term in the New Testament is exclusively focused on spiritual quickening, not physical resurrection, highlighting a profound spiritual transformation from death to life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συζωοποιέω appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both times in Pauline epistles, underscoring its specific theological utility in describing the believer's new life in Christ:
* **Ephesians 2:5**: "even when we were dead in our trespasses, συζωοποιέω (made us alive together with) Christ—by grace you have been saved—"
* In this pivotal passage, Paul describes the dire spiritual state of humanity ("dead in our trespasses") and contrasts it sharply with God's gracious intervention. The act of "making us alive together with Christ" signifies a profound spiritual resurrection that parallels Christ's own resurrection from the dead. The phrase emphasizes that the believer's vivification is not an isolated event but is intrinsically linked to and participated in Christ's own life-giving act. This quickening is presented as an act of sheer divine grace, foundational to salvation.
* **Colossians 2:13**: "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He συζωοποιέω (has made alive together with) Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,"
* Similar to Ephesians, this verse reiterates the spiritual condition of death ("dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh"). God, through Christ, is the agent who "made alive together with Him." The immediate context links this quickening directly with the forgiveness of sins, indicating that spiritual life and divine pardon are simultaneous and inseparable aspects of God's work in salvation. The "Him" refers back to Christ, reinforcing the idea that the believer's new life is in union with Christ's own life.
In both instances, συζωοποιέω describes a past, decisive act of God, bringing believers from a state of spiritual death into a vibrant, shared life with Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of συζωοποιέω is greatly enriched by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **ζωοποιέω (zōopoiéō, `{{G2227}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to make alive" or "to give life." This term is used more broadly, for instance, to describe the Spirit giving life ([[John 6:63]]), or God giving life to the dead ([[Romans 4:17]]). συζωοποιέω specifically adds the crucial dimension of *co-participation* or *union*.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix "with" or "together with" is vital. It highlights the profound union between Christ and the believer. This prefix is frequently used in Pauline theology to describe the believer's identification with Christ's experiences:
* συνσταυρόω (synstauroō, `{{G4957}}`): "crucified *with*" Christ ([[Romans 6:6]], [[Galatians 2:20]]).
* συνθάπτω (synthaptō, `{{G4936}}`): "buried *with*" Christ ([[Romans 6:4]], [[Colossians 2:12]]).
* συνεγείρω (synegeirō, `{{G4891}}`): "raised *with*" Christ ([[Ephesians 2:6]], [[Colossians 2:12]], [[Colossians 3:1]]).
* συγκαθίζω (sygkathizō, `{{G4776}}`): "seated *with*" Christ ([[Ephesians 2:6]]).
συζωοποιέω fits seamlessly into this chain of "syn-" compounds, emphasizing that just as believers are united with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, so too are they united with Him in His very life.
* **Spiritual Death and Life**: The concept stands in stark contrast to the state of being "dead in trespasses and sins" ([[Ephesians 2:1]]). συζωοποιέω signifies the radical transition from this state of spiritual lifelessness to vibrant spiritual existence.
* **New Creation**: The act of being made alive together with Christ aligns with the broader biblical theme of the "new creation" in Christ, where old things pass away and new life emerges ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συζωοποιέω is profound, centrally affirming the doctrine of the believer's **union with Christ** (Latin: *unio mystica*).
1. **Union with Christ**: The "together with" aspect is paramount. It asserts that the quickening of believers is not merely a parallel event to Christ's resurrection, but a participatory one. Believers are not just *recipients* of life from Christ, but are brought *into* Christ's own resurrection life. Our spiritual vitality is inextricably linked to His. This union is the foundation for all Christian experience and standing.
2. **Divine Initiative and Grace**: The verb is always in the active voice, with God as the subject (implied or explicit). This highlights that the quickening is a sovereign act of God's grace, not something achieved by human effort. It underscores the immense power and mercy of God in redeeming those who were spiritually dead.
3. **Radical Transformation**: συζωοποιέω emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of salvation. It is a transformation from utter spiritual death to vibrant spiritual life, a change so profound that it can only be described as a vivification shared with the very source of life, Christ Himself.
4. **Basis for Christian Living**: Because believers have been made alive together with Christ, they are empowered to live a new life. This shared life provides the impetus for walking in newness of life ([[Romans 6:4]]) and setting one's mind on things above ([[Colossians 3:1-2]]).
### Summary
συζωοποιέω (syzōopoiéō, `{{G4806}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to quicken together with" or "to make alive conjointly with." Appearing in [[Ephesians 2:5]] and [[Colossians 2:13]], it describes God's sovereign act of bringing spiritually dead believers into a vibrant, new life that is intrinsically united with the resurrection life of Christ. This word is a cornerstone for understanding the believer's profound *union with Christ*, emphasizing that our spiritual vivification is not merely parallel to Christ's but is a shared participation in His overcoming of death. It underscores the radical transformation from spiritual death to life, effected solely by divine grace, and forms the theological basis for the Christian's new identity and existence in Christ.
TRV