### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμπίνω (sympínō), Strong's number `{{G4844}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb πίνω (pinō), meaning "to drink." The base definition, "to partake a beverage in company," accurately captures its literal sense. The prefix σύν is crucial, as it elevates the simple act of drinking to one of shared participation, fellowship, or communion. It implies more than merely drinking in the same vicinity; it suggests a deliberate, communal act of sharing a drink, often in the context of a meal or social gathering. Thus, its semantic range extends from the literal act of co-drinking to the deeper implications of shared experience and intimacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συμπίνω (sympínō) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly significant.
* **[[Acts 10:41]]**: "not to all the people, but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead."
* In this pivotal verse, Peter is recounting his experience and testimony regarding the resurrected Christ to Cornelius's household. The phrase "ate and drank with him" (συνεφάγομεν καὶ συνεπίομεν αὐτῷ) is presented as direct, tangible proof of Jesus's physical resurrection. The inclusion of "drank with him" (συνεπίομεν) alongside "ate with him" (συνεφάγομεν) emphasizes the bodily reality of the risen Christ. It counters any potential Gnostic or Docetic ideas that Jesus's post-resurrection appearances were merely spiritual or phantasmal. The shared meal and drink served as undeniable evidence for the disciples that they were interacting with the same Jesus who had died, now truly alive in a glorified, yet still physical, body. This act of intimate, shared sustenance solidified their conviction and empowered their witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding συμπίνω is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **πίνω (pinō) `{{G4095}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to drink." συμπίνω specifies the communal aspect of this action.
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`**: The prepositional prefix, meaning "with," "together," or "in company with." Its presence in συμπίνω underscores the shared, communal nature of the act.
* **συνεσθίω (synesthíō) `{{G4906}}`**: "to eat with." This verb frequently appears alongside συμπίνω in contexts of shared meals and fellowship, as seen in [[Acts 10:41]]. Both verbs collectively highlight the communal aspect of sustenance.
* **Fellowship (κοινωνία - koinōnía) `{{G2842}}`**: The act of "drinking with" naturally falls within the broader concept of fellowship. Shared meals and drinks were fundamental expressions of κοινωνία in ancient cultures, signifying unity, acceptance, and shared life, particularly within the early Christian community.
* **Witness (μάρτυς - mártys) `{{G3144}}`**: In [[Acts 10:41]], the disciples are described as "chosen by God as witnesses." Their act of "eating and drinking with" the resurrected Jesus directly establishes the credibility and tangibility of their witness to His resurrection.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of συμπίνω in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, primarily in its contribution to the doctrine of the resurrection:
* **Verification of the Bodily Resurrection**: The most significant theological implication is its role in affirming the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. By emphasizing that the disciples "ate and drank with" Him, Peter provides concrete evidence that Jesus was not a spirit or an illusion but truly alive in His glorified body. This detail was crucial for early Christian apologetics against those who might deny the physical reality of the resurrection.
* **Credibility of Apostolic Witness**: The intimate act of sharing meals and drinks with the risen Lord transformed the disciples from mere observers into credible, firsthand witnesses. Their shared experience provided an undeniable foundation for their proclamation of the Gospel, demonstrating the reality of their encounter with the living Christ.
* **Foundation for Future Hope**: The reality of Christ's bodily resurrection, attested by such intimate acts as "drinking with" Him, grounds the Christian hope in a future bodily resurrection for believers. If Christ was raised physically, so too will those who are in Him.
* **Communion with the Risen Lord**: While not directly referring to the Eucharist, the act of "drinking with" the resurrected Christ foreshadows the ongoing communion believers have with Him. It points to the intimate, personal relationship believers can have with their living Lord, a relationship often expressed and deepened through acts of shared fellowship and remembrance, such as the Lord's Supper.
### Summary
The Greek verb συμπίνω (sympínō), meaning "to drink with" or "to drink together," is a compound term highlighting communal participation. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 10:41]] is highly significant, serving as a critical piece of evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter's testimony that he and other apostles "ate and drank with" the resurrected Lord underscores the tangible reality of Christ's post-resurrection appearances, countering any notion of a mere spiritual or phantasmal presence. This intimate act of shared sustenance established the credibility of the apostolic witness and affirmed the physical triumph of Jesus over death. Theologically, συμπίνω powerfully validates the bodily resurrection, grounds the hope of future resurrection for believers, and speaks to the profound communion shared between the disciples and their living Lord.
TRV