from σύν and πάρειμι; to be at hand together, i.e. now present:--be here present with.
Transliteration:sympáreimi
Pronunciation:soom-par'-i-mee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term συμπάρειμι (sympáreimi, `{{G4840}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb πάρειμι (páreimi, `{{G3918}}`), meaning "to be present," "to be at hand," or "to have arrived." The combination of these elements yields a precise meaning: "to be present together with" or "to be here present with." The prefix σύν emphasizes a shared or collective presence, indicating participation or accompaniment alongside another or others. Unlike a mere individual presence, συμπάρειμι highlights a co-presence, suggesting a shared experience or observation. Its semantic range is narrow, primarily denoting physical presence in company.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word συμπάρειμι (sympáreimi, `{{G4840}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Peter 1:16]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant for understanding the foundation of apostolic testimony.
In [[2 Peter 1:16]], the apostle Peter declares: "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." The phrase "we were eyewitnesses" translates the Greek ἐπόπται γενηθέντες (epoptai genēthentes), and it is immediately followed by the participial form of συμπάρειμι, συνπαρόντες (symparontes), referring to the event of the Transfiguration. The full context of verses [[2 Peter 1:16-18]] clarifies that Peter, James, and John were "with him in the holy mount" when Jesus was transfigured and the voice from heaven was heard.
The use of συμπάρειμι here underscores the direct, personal, and shared experience of the apostles. It is not simply that they were "present," but that they were "present *with* him" (Christ) during this pivotal, revelatory moment. This co-presence lends immense weight and authenticity to their proclamation of Christ's power and coming (παρουσία, `{{G3952}}`). It directly refutes any accusation that their message was based on "cleverly devised myths," asserting instead that it was grounded in verifiable, shared eyewitness testimony of divine majesty. The verb emphasizes the collective nature of their observation, reinforcing the reliability and truthfulness of their apostolic witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of συμπάρειμι (sympáreimi, `{{G4840}}`) reveal important related concepts:
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`):** This preposition is fundamental, signifying "with," "together with," or "in company with." It highlights the communal or shared aspect of the presence, distinguishing it from mere individual presence. This prefix is pervasive in compound Greek words that denote fellowship, partnership, or joint action (e.g., συνεργός (synergos, `{{G4900}}`), "fellow worker"; σύνδουλος (syndoulos, `{{G4889}}`), "fellow servant").
* **πάρειμι (páreimi, `{{G3918}}`):** The base verb means "to be present," "to have arrived," or "to be at hand." It denotes a state of being in a particular place at a particular time. Its usage often implies availability or readiness.
* **μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`):** "Witness." The concept of being an eyewitness is central to the usage of συμπάρειμι in [[2 Peter 1:16]]. The apostles were not just present; their presence qualified them as authoritative witnesses to the events they described.
* **παρουσία (parousia, `{{G3952}}`):** "Presence" or "coming." This noun is used in [[2 Peter 1:16]] to refer to the "power and coming" of Christ. The apostles' "being present together with" Christ during the Transfiguration served as a foretaste and confirmation of His future glorious παρουσία.
* **ἐπόπτης (epoptēs, `{{G2030}}`):** "Eyewitness" or "beholder." This term, also used in [[2 Peter 1:16]], further emphasizes the visual and experiential nature of the apostles' testimony, directly supported by their συμπάρειμι.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of συμπάρειμι (sympáreimi, `{{G4840}}`) in [[2 Peter 1:16]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding the authority and reliability of the apostolic witness to Christ.
1. **Authenticity of Apostolic Testimony:** The word undergirds Peter's assertion that the apostolic message is not based on "cleverly devised myths" but on direct, shared, and verifiable experience. The apostles were not merely recipients of tradition; they were co-present participants in the divine revelation of Christ's glory. This eyewitness foundation is critical for the credibility of the New Testament accounts.
2. **Foundation of Faith:** Christian faith is not built on abstract philosophy or speculative narratives, but on historical events attested by those who were "present together with" Christ. The Transfiguration, specifically referenced here, was a moment of profound theological significance, revealing Christ's divine nature and confirming His identity as the Son of God. The apostles' shared presence ensures the veracity of this foundational event.
3. **Continuity of Revelation:** The experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, where the apostles were συμπάρειμι, connects the Old Testament prophetic word (represented by Moses and Elijah) with the New Testament fulfillment in Christ. The voice from heaven ([[2 Peter 1:17-18]]) reiterates the divine affirmation of Jesus, a truth to which the apostles could personally attest due to their shared presence.
4. **The Incarnational Reality:** The concept of συμπάρειμι points to the tangible, physical reality of the Incarnation. God entered human history, and individuals were able to be physically "present together with" Him, observing His majesty and hearing His voice. This grounds the divine in human experience.
### Summary
συμπάρειμι (sympáreimi, `{{G4840}}`) is a Greek compound verb meaning "to be present together with." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[2 Peter 1:16]] is exceptionally significant, highlighting the shared, eyewitness experience of Peter, James, and John with Christ during the Transfiguration. This co-presence (σύν component) on the "holy mount" provides the irrefutable basis for the apostles' claim that their proclamation of Christ's power and coming was not based on myths but on direct observation of His divine majesty. Theologically, συμπάρειμι underscores the authenticity and reliability of apostolic testimony, serving as a crucial foundation for Christian faith, emphasizing the historical reality of Christ's life and the direct, personal revelation of His glory to His chosen witnesses.
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