### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμμερίζομαι (symmerízomai, `{{G4829}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb μερίζω (merízō, `{{G3307}}`), meaning "to divide," "to distribute," or "to apportion." The middle voice of μερίζω implies that the subject participates in the division or sharing for themselves or in something that directly affects them. Therefore, συμμερίζομαι fundamentally denotes the act of "sharing jointly," "participating together in," or "being a co-partaker with." It emphasizes a commonality of experience, benefit, or burden, where individuals are mutually involved in receiving or distributing a portion of something. The semantic range is narrow, centering on this concept of joint participation or shared possession.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συμμερίζομαι (symmerízomai, `{{G4829}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians:
* [[1 Corinthians 9:13]]: "Do you not know that those who minister about sacred things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar are partakers with the altar?" (οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συμμεριζόμενοι).
In this verse, Paul is defending his apostolic right to receive financial support from the churches he serves, even though he often waives this right. He draws an analogy from the Old Testament priestly system. The phrase "partakers with the altar" refers to the priests who, by virtue of their service at the altar, were entitled to a share of the sacrifices and offerings brought to the temple. This share served as their sustenance and livelihood. The use of συμμερίζομαι here highlights the direct and reciprocal relationship: the priests' sacred service at the altar entitled them to a portion derived from that very altar. It underscores a principle of divine provision tied to dedicated service, where those who give of themselves in ministry are legitimately sustained by the very work they perform.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of συμμερίζομαι (symmerízomai, `{{G4829}}`) directly links it to several key terms:
* μερίζω (merízō, `{{G3307}}`): The root verb, meaning "to divide," "to distribute," or "to apportion."
* μέρος (meros, `{{G3313}}`): The noun form, meaning "a part" or "a portion."
* σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`): The prefix indicating "with" or "together."
Conceptually, συμμερίζομαι resonates with other New Testament words that convey the idea of sharing, fellowship, and joint participation:
* κοινωνέω (koinoneō, `{{G2841}}`): "to share," "to participate," "to have fellowship." This is a broader term for sharing in a common activity or experience.
* κοινωνός (koinonos, `{{G2844}}`): "a partner," "a companion," "a partaker."
* συγκληρονόμος (sygklēronomos, `{{G4789}}`): "fellow heir" or "joint heir," emphasizing shared inheritance.
* συνκοινωνός (synkoinōnos, `{{G4791}}`): "fellow partaker" or "joint participant," very close in meaning, often used in contexts of sharing in suffering or blessing.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of the communal and interdependent nature of life within the biblical framework, especially within the Christian community, where resources, responsibilities, and even suffering are often shared.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, συμμερίζομαι (symmerízomai, `{{G4829}}`) carries significant theological weight through its context in [[1 Corinthians 9:13]]. It articulates a foundational principle of divine economy concerning ministry and provision. The example of the Old Covenant priests, who were "partakers with the altar," establishes a divinely ordained right for those dedicated to sacred service to be sustained by that service. This is not merely a human convention but a principle rooted in God's design for His worship and the support of those who facilitate it.
Paul's application of this principle to the New Covenant in [[1 Corinthians 9:14]] ("Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel") underscores that the spiritual labor of proclaiming the gospel warrants material support. The word συμμερίζομαι thus highlights:
1. **Reciprocal Relationship:** A divinely established link between consecrated service and the right to sustenance derived from that service.
2. **Divine Provision:** God's intention to provide for those who faithfully minister in His name.
3. **Ethic of Support:** An implicit call for the community to recognize and uphold this principle by supporting those who serve them spiritually.
The term also subtly points to the broader theological concept of mutual participation within the body of Christ, where members share in both the blessings and the responsibilities of the common life in faith.
### Summary
συμμερίζομαι (symmerízomai, `{{G4829}}`) is a precise Greek verb meaning "to share jointly" or "to be a co-partaker." Its single New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 9:13]] is highly significant. In this context, it describes the priests' right to "partake with the altar," illustrating the principle that those who minister in sacred things are entitled to sustenance from that ministry. This term underscores a foundational biblical truth regarding the divine provision for those engaged in spiritual service, establishing a reciprocal relationship between dedication to God's work and the right to be sustained by it. While rare, its usage powerfully conveys the concept of joint participation and the divinely ordained support for those who faithfully serve the Gospel.
TRV