from σύν and παραμένω; to remain in company, i.e. still live:--continue with.
Transliteration:symparaménō
Pronunciation:soom-par-am-en'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμπαραμένω (symparaménō `{{G4839}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb παραμένω (paraménō `{{G3887}}`), meaning "to remain beside" or "to abide near." The latter itself is composed of παρά (para), "beside," and μένω (menō `{{G3306}}`), "to remain" or "to abide." Thus, συμπαραμένω conveys the specific nuance of "to remain together with" or "to continue in company." It signifies not merely a state of continued existence, but a sustained presence *alongside* others, implying fellowship, association, or a shared duration. The Strong's definition "to remain in company, i.e. still live" captures this sense of continued, co-existent presence. Its semantic range emphasizes active, purposeful abiding in relation to others, rather than a passive or isolated continuation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συμπαραμένω (symparaménō `{{G4839}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians.
* [[Philippians 1:25]]: "And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith." (καὶ τοῦτο πεποιθὼς οἶδα ὅτι μενῶ καὶ συμπαραμενῶ πᾶσιν ὑμῖν εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν τῆς πίστεως)
In this profound passage, Paul is wrestling with a personal dilemma: whether it is better for him to die and be with Christ, which he describes as "far better," or to remain alive and continue his ministry among the Philippian believers. He expresses a divine certainty (οἶδα) that he will indeed μενῶ (remain) and συμπαραμενῶ (continue with) them. The use of συμπαραμενῶ here is highly significant. It underscores Paul's conviction that his continued physical presence and ministry *among* them is essential for their spiritual προκοπὴν (progress `{{G4297}}`) and χαρὰν (joy `{{G5479}}`) in the faith. It is not just that he will continue to exist, but that he will continue to exist *with them*, actively participating in their spiritual journey. This singular occurrence powerfully encapsulates Paul's pastoral heart and his prioritization of the church's welfare over his own personal desire for heavenly rest.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of συμπαραμένω (symparaménō `{{G4839}}`) lies in its constituent parts and their broader semantic fields:
* μένω (menō `{{G3306}}`): The foundational verb meaning "to remain," "to abide," "to dwell," "to endure." It speaks of sustained presence, whether temporal, spatial, or relational.
* παραμένω (paraménō `{{G3887}}`): "To remain beside," "to continue near." This adds the relational dimension of proximity and sustained presence in relation to another. It is used in [[1 Corinthians 16:6]] concerning Paul's desire to "stay with" the Corinthians.
* σύν (syn): The prefix "with," "together," denoting association, companionship, or shared action. It appears in numerous New Testament compounds emphasizing corporate identity or joint participation (e.g., συνεργός (synergos `{{G4900}}`, fellow worker), σύσσωμος (syssomos `{{G4954}}`, fellow member of the body)).
* Concepts related to συμπαραμένω include:
* **Steadfastness/Perseverance:** The idea of remaining implies endurance and constancy.
* **Fellowship/Communion:** The "with" aspect highlights shared life and mutual presence.
* **Pastoral Presence:** In Paul's context, it speaks to the importance of a leader's sustained, active presence among the flock.
* **Ministry:** The purpose of his remaining is for their spiritual benefit, tying it directly to the work of service.
This word stands in contrast to concepts of departure, abandonment, or cessation of existence.
### Theological Significance
The solitary use of συμπαραμένω (symparaménō `{{G4839}}`) in [[Philippians 1:25]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of Christian ministry and community:
1. **Self-Sacrificial Love:** Paul's willingness to συμπαραμενῶ (continue with) the Philippians, even when his personal preference was to "depart and be with Christ," demonstrates the highest form of self-sacrificial love and commitment to the body of Christ. It illustrates the principle of preferring the welfare of others over personal gain or comfort.
2. **Value of Shared Presence:** The word emphasizes the tangible, often physical, value of sustained presence in the Christian life. While spiritual communion is vital, Paul indicates that his physical presence and ongoing interaction are crucial for the Philippians' "progress and joy in the faith." This highlights the incarnational aspect of ministry and the importance of embodied community.
3. **Purposeful Ministry:** Paul's remaining is not passive; it is for a specific, redemptive purpose: εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν τῆς πίστεως (for your progress and joy in the faith). This underscores that true Christian presence is active, edifying, and directed towards the spiritual growth and flourishing of others.
4. **Apostolic Care:** This word reveals the depth of Paul's apostolic care and his understanding of his role as a spiritual parent. He sees his continued life and presence as directly tied to the spiritual maturity of those he serves.
### Summary
συμπαραμένω (symparaménō `{{G4839}}`) is a uniquely powerful Greek verb, appearing only once in the New Testament at [[Philippians 1:25]]. Formed from σύν (together) and παραμένω (to remain beside), its core meaning is "to remain together with" or "to continue in company." In its sole biblical occurrence, the Apostle Paul uses it to express his conviction that he will continue with the Philippian believers for their spiritual progress and joy. This word encapsulates Paul's profound self-sacrificial love, prioritizing the spiritual welfare of the church over his own desire to be with Christ. It underscores the theological significance of sustained, purposeful presence within Christian community, highlighting the active, relational nature of ministry and the vital role of fellowship in fostering spiritual growth. Despite its singular occurrence, συμπαραμένω offers a rich insight into the dynamics of apostolic care and the communal essence of the Christian journey.
TRV