### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμπορεύομαι (transliterated as *symporeúomai*, `{{G4848}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (*syn*), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb πορεύομαι (*poreuomai*, `{{G4198}}`), meaning "to go," "to journey," or "to proceed." The literal and primary meaning of συμπορεύομαι is therefore "to journey together" or "to go along with."
Beyond this literal sense of shared physical movement, the word carries a significant semantic extension: "to assemble" or "to gather." This implication arises when a multitude of individuals "go together" towards a common point or figure, resulting in a collective gathering. Thus, συμπορεύομαι encompasses both the act of accompanying someone on a journey and the phenomenon of people converging as a group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
συμπορεύομαι appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each instance offers rich contextual insight into its usage:
* **[[Mark 10:1]]**: "And crowds again gathered to him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them." Here, συμπορεύομαι describes large numbers of people "gathering to" or "assembling around" Jesus. The focus is on the convergence of many individuals drawn to his teaching, highlighting his magnetic presence and the public nature of his ministry. It emphasizes the collective movement *towards* Jesus.
* **[[Luke 7:11]]**: "Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him." In this context, συμπορεύομαι clearly signifies "to go along with" or "to accompany." Jesus is traveling, and both his immediate disciples and a larger crowd are journeying alongside him, underscoring the communal aspect of his ministry and the broad appeal he commanded.
* **[[Luke 14:25]]**: "Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them..." Similar to [[Luke 7:11]], this verse depicts large crowds "accompanying" Jesus. The word here emphasizes the continued presence of a following as Jesus travels and teaches, setting the stage for his challenging words about the cost of discipleship. It illustrates the physical proximity and shared trajectory of the crowds with Jesus.
* **[[Luke 24:15]]**: "While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself drew near and went with them." This poignant occurrence is found in the Emmaus Road narrative. The resurrected Jesus, unrecognized, "goes with" or "joins" the two disciples on their journey. This use highlights divine companionship and the intimate, personal presence of Christ with his followers, even in their moments of confusion or despair.
* **[[John 21:3]]**: "Simon Peter said to them, 'I am going fishing.' They said to him, 'We will go with you.' So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing." In this post-resurrection account, the disciples declare their intent to "go with" Peter, signifying a shared purpose and communal activity. It speaks to the solidarity and common enterprise among the early believers, even in their mundane occupations.
Across these occurrences, συμπορεύομαι consistently points to a collective or shared movement, whether it be a multitude assembling around a central figure or individuals journeying together for a common purpose or simply in companionship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding συμπορεύομαι is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **πορεύομαι (`{{G4198}}`):** As the base verb, πορεύομαι simply means "to go" or "to journey." The addition of the prefix σύν (`{{G4862}}`) in συμπορεύομαι specifically denotes the element of "togetherness" or "companionship," distinguishing it from mere individual movement.
* **ἀκολουθέω (`{{G190}}`):** Meaning "to follow" or "to accompany," ἀκολουθέω shares some semantic overlap, particularly when συμπορεύομαι means "to go with." However, ἀκολουθέω often implies following *after* a leader or adhering to a particular path, whereas συμπορεύομαι can suggest simply moving *alongside* or *as part of* a group without necessarily implying a leader-follower dynamic, though it often occurs in that context with Jesus.
* **συνέρχομαι (`{{G4905}}`):** This verb means "to come together" or "to assemble," closely aligning with the "assemble" implication of συμπορεύομαι. While συνέρχομαι often focuses on the *act of arrival and gathering* at a specific place, συμπορεύομαι can describe the *process of going together* that leads to such an assembly, or the shared journey itself.
* **Concepts:** The word evokes themes of **companionship**, **discipleship** (as a shared journey with Christ), **communal identity**, **gathering**, and **collective purpose**. It highlights the inherently relational and communal nature of human existence and, particularly, of the Christian faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συμπορεύομαι lies primarily in its portrayal of human-divine interaction and the nature of the Christian community:
1. **The Attraction of Christ:** The instances where crowds συμπορεύομαι with Jesus (e.g., [[Mark 10:1]], [[Luke 7:11]], [[Luke 14:25]]) underscore the compelling nature of his person and message. People were drawn to him, not just individually, but in significant numbers, forming a collective movement that bore witness to his authority and the power of the Kingdom of God.
2. **Discipleship as a Shared Journey:** The consistent depiction of disciples and crowds συμπορεύομαι with Jesus illustrates that following Christ is not a solitary endeavor but a journey undertaken in community. It emphasizes the shared experience of learning, witnessing, and participating in the mission of God. This collective movement fosters solidarity and mutual support among believers.
3. **Divine Companionship:** The profound use in [[Luke 24:15]], where the resurrected Jesus συμπορεύομαι with the Emmaus disciples, is deeply significant. It reveals Christ's active and personal presence with his followers, even when they are unaware of it. This highlights God's immanence, His willingness to walk alongside humanity in its struggles and doubts, offering comfort, revelation, and hope. It speaks to the ongoing pastoral care of the risen Lord for His church.
4. **Communal Enterprise:** The instance in [[John 21:3]] where the disciples συμπορεύομαι with Peter to go fishing demonstrates the communal aspect of daily life and work among believers. It suggests that even in seemingly mundane activities, there is a sense of shared purpose and fellowship within the Christian community.
### Summary
συμπορεύομαι (`{{G4848}}`) is a Greek verb that fundamentally means "to journey together" or "to go along with." By implication, it also signifies "to assemble" or "to gather," particularly when referring to a multitude converging on a person or place. Its New Testament occurrences consistently illustrate a collective movement: crowds assembling around Jesus for teaching, disciples accompanying him on his journeys, Jesus himself joining his disciples on their path, and early believers engaging in shared activities. Theologically, συμπορεύομαι powerfully conveys themes of the magnetic attraction of Christ, the communal nature of discipleship, the comforting reality of divine companionship, and the shared enterprise within the believing community. It underscores that the Christian life is largely a journey undertaken "together," both with fellow believers and, most profoundly, with the living Christ.
TRV