from σύν and παραγίνομαι; to be present together, i.e. to convene; by implication, to appear in aid:--come together, stand with.
Transliteration:symparagínomai
Pronunciation:soom-par-ag-in'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμπαραγίνομαι (symparagínomai, `{{G4836}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, `{{G3854}}`), meaning "to come alongside, to be present, to arrive." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to come together," "to be present together," or "to arrive with others." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical co-presence to include the nuance of convening for a specific purpose or, more poignantly, appearing in support or aid. The prefix σύν intensifies the communal aspect of presence, indicating a shared arrival or a collective stance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This verb appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its few occurrences are deeply significant, highlighting the themes of presence, support, and solidarity.
1. **[[Luke 23:49]]**: "And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things." Here, συμπαραγίνομαι describes the collective presence of Jesus's acquaintances and the women disciples at the crucifixion. While they "stood at a distance," their being "present together" (συμπαραγίνομαι) signifies their enduring loyalty and witness, even in profound grief and helplessness. Their presence, though unable to intervene, was an act of solidarity, a silent testimony to their relationship with the crucified Christ. This instance emphasizes the "convening" or "being present together" aspect, even in a passive or observational capacity.
2. **[[2 Timothy 4:16]]**: "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!" In this poignant passage, Paul laments that at his initial legal defense, no one "came to his aid" or "stood with him" (οὐδείς μοι συμπαρεγένετο). This usage powerfully illustrates the "appearing in aid" aspect of the verb. The absence of supportive presence is keenly felt by Paul, underscoring the vital importance of communal solidarity, especially in times of trial and public accusation. The contrast with "all deserted me" highlights the expectation and the profound lack of the very support that συμπαραγίνομαι denotes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of συμπαραγίνομαι is enriched by considering its constituent parts and related terms:
* **παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, `{{G3854}}`)**: The base verb, indicating arrival or presence. The addition of σύν specifies a *collective* or *supportive* arrival/presence.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix emphasizing togetherness, association, or joint action. This prefix is common in compounds denoting shared experience or collective action (e.g., συνέρχομαι, sunerchomai, `{{G4905}}`, "to come together"; συμπάσχω, sympaschō, `{{G4841}}`, "to suffer with").
* **παρίστημι (paristēmi, `{{G3936}}`)**: "to stand by, to present oneself." While similar in meaning, συμπαραγίνομαι often carries a stronger sense of active arrival *for a purpose* or *in support*.
* **ἀπολείπω (apoleipō, `{{G620}}`)**: "to abandon, desert." This word serves as a direct antonym in [[2 Timothy 4:16]], highlighting the absence of the supportive presence implied by συμπαραγίνομαι.
Concepts related to συμπαραγίνομαι include solidarity, fellowship (κοινωνία, koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`), communal support, witness, and active presence in times of need.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συμπαραγίνομαι lies in its emphasis on the communal and supportive nature of human relationships, particularly within the context of faith.
1. **Theology of Presence**: The word underscores the profound importance of physical and relational presence. In [[Luke 23:49]], the presence of Jesus's followers, though passive, was a form of witness and enduring fidelity. It speaks to the value of "being there" for one another, even when direct intervention is impossible.
2. **Solidarity in Suffering**: Paul's lament in [[2 Timothy 4:16]] powerfully illustrates the Christian call to solidarity, especially with those undergoing trials or persecution. The expectation of others "coming to one's aid" reflects a deep-seated understanding of mutual responsibility within the body of Christ. The failure of such support is a significant breach of Christian fellowship. This highlights the theological imperative for believers to stand with and support their brethren, echoing Christ's own solidarity with humanity in His incarnation and suffering.
3. **The Church as a Supporting Community**: The word implicitly points to the ideal of the church as a community where members do not abandon one another but actively "come together" and "stand with" those in need. It serves as a reminder of the practical outworking of love and koinōnia.
### Summary
Συμπαραγίνομαι (symparagínomai, `{{G4836}}`) is a Greek verb signifying "to come together," "to be present together," or "to appear in aid." Derived from σύν (with) and παραγίνομαι (to be present), it emphasizes a collective or supportive presence. In [[Luke 23:49]], it describes the loyal, though distant, presence of Jesus's followers at the cross, highlighting enduring witness. In [[2 Timothy 4:16]], Paul's lament over the lack of those who "came to his aid" during his defense powerfully illustrates the vital importance of active, supportive presence within the Christian community. Theologically, συμπαραγίνομαι underscores the significance of communal solidarity, the necessity of standing with one another in times of trial, and the practical outworking of Christian fellowship, contrasting sharply with abandonment. It serves as a call to embody Christ-like presence and support for fellow believers.
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