from σύν and παρακαλέω; to console jointly:--comfort together.
Transliteration:symparakaléō
Pronunciation:soom-par-ak-al-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμπαρακαλέω (symparakaléō, `{{G4837}}`) is a compound word formed from the prefix σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb παρακαλέω (parakaléō, `{{G3870}}`), which carries a rich semantic range including "to call alongside," "to exhort," "to comfort," "to encourage," or "to appeal." The combination of these elements yields a core meaning of "to comfort together," "to encourage jointly," or "to be mutually strengthened." The emphasis lies on the reciprocal and shared nature of the encouragement or consolation. It is not merely one person comforting another, but an interaction where both parties give and receive spiritual strengthening, fostering a communal experience of faith and support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συμπαρακαλέω (symparakaléō, `{{G4837}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **Romans 1:12**: "that is, that I may be mutually encouraged by you and you by me, by each other’s faith." [[Romans 1:12]]
In this pivotal verse, Paul expresses his earnest desire to visit the believers in Rome. His aim is not solely to impart some spiritual gift to them, as mentioned in the preceding verse [[Romans 1:11]], but also to experience a reciprocal spiritual benefit. The phrase "that I may be mutually encouraged by you and you by me" (τὸ συνπαρακληθῆναι ἐν ὑμῖν διὰ τῆς ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστεως, ὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ) underscores the deep interdependence within the body of Christ. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and spiritual maturity, acknowledges his need for the encouragement and strengthening that comes from the faith of the Roman believers. This passage highlights the profound truth that spiritual growth and comfort are often a shared journey, where believers mutually edify one another through their shared faith. It reveals a humble and relational aspect of Paul's ministry, emphasizing communion over mere hierarchical instruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root word related to συμπαρακαλέω (symparakaléō, `{{G4837}}`) is παρακαλέω (parakaléō, `{{G3870}}`), which is frequently used throughout the New Testament to describe various forms of spiritual support, including exhortation, comfort, and encouragement. Its noun form, παράκλησις (paraklēsis, `{{G3874}}`), is often translated as "comfort," "encouragement," or "exhortation," and is notably used to describe the Holy Spirit as the "Paraclete" or "Comforter/Advocate."
The prefix σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`) is crucial, as it signifies "togetherness" or "fellowship" and is found in numerous other compound Greek words that emphasize shared action or experience (e.g., συνεργός (synergos, `{{G4904}}`), "fellow worker"; συνεργέω (synergeō, `{{G4903}}`), "to work together").
Concepts closely associated with συμπαρακαλέω include:
* **Mutual Edification:** The building up of one another in faith.
* **Christian Fellowship (κοινωνία, koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`):** The shared participation in Christ and the Spirit, leading to communal support.
* **Interdependence:** The recognition that believers are not self-sufficient but rely on one another for spiritual strength and growth, as members of one body.
* **Corporate Faith:** The understanding that faith is not merely an individual possession but a shared reality within the community of believers.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of συμπαρακαλέω (symparakaléō, `{{G4837}}`) in [[Romans 1:12]] carries profound theological significance for the nature of Christian community. It underscores that the Christian life is fundamentally communal and relational.
1. **Humility in Ministry:** Paul, as an apostle, demonstrates profound humility by acknowledging his own need for encouragement from the Roman believers. This counters any notion of a one-sided spiritual flow from leader to follower, emphasizing that all believers, regardless of their spiritual stature, are part of the same body and need one another.
2. **Reciprocal Grace:** The concept of "mutually encouraged" reflects the reciprocal nature of God's grace at work within the Church. Grace flows not only from God to individuals but also through individuals to one another, fostering a dynamic environment of spiritual giving and receiving.
3. **Body of Christ:** This word beautifully illustrates the functional reality of the Church as the body of Christ, where "if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" [[1 Corinthians 12:26]]. Mutual encouragement is a vital expression of this organic unity and interdependence.
4. **Strengthening of Faith:** The passage implies that faith itself is strengthened through communal interaction. Shared experiences, testimonies, and expressions of belief serve to fortify individual and corporate faith, demonstrating that faith is not a static, private possession but a dynamic, communal journey.
5. **Practical Love:** συμπαρακαλέω is an active expression of Christian love (ἀγάπη, agapē, `{{G26}}`). To comfort and encourage one another is a practical outworking of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself, building up the community in love.
### Summary
The Greek verb συμπαρακαλέω (symparakaléō, `{{G4837}}`) succinctly captures the essence of mutual comfort and encouragement within the Christian fellowship. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, in [[Romans 1:12]], its context is exceptionally rich, revealing Paul's desire for reciprocal spiritual strengthening with the Roman believers. This word highlights the vital importance of interdependence, humility, and shared faith within the body of Christ. It underscores that Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in a vibrant community where believers actively give and receive spiritual support, thereby mutually building up one another in the faith. The concept of "comforting together" is a beautiful testament to the communal and relational nature of God's design for His Church.
TRV