from σύν and πρεσβύτερος; a co-presbyter:--presbyter, also an elder.
Transliteration:sympresbýteros
Pronunciation:soom-pres-boo'-ter-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G4850}}` (sympresbýteros) is a compound term derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together with," and `{{G4245}}` (presbýteros), meaning "elder" or "older." Therefore, its core meaning is "fellow elder" or "co-elder." The prefix σύν serves to emphasize a shared status, co-participation, and mutual relationship among those who hold the office of elder. It denotes not merely an elder, but one who stands in solidarity and shared responsibility with other elders. The semantic range is quite narrow, specifically highlighting the collegial aspect of the elder's role rather than introducing a new function or hierarchy. It underscores the concept of shared ministry and mutual accountability within a body of leadership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4850}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Peter 5:1]]: "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed." In this crucial passage, the Apostle Peter addresses the elders of the churches in Asia Minor. By identifying himself as a `{{G4850}}` (sympresbýteros), Peter deliberately places himself on an equal footing with those he is exhorting. This self-designation is profoundly significant. Rather than asserting his apostolic authority in a hierarchical manner, Peter adopts a posture of humility and solidarity. He appeals to them not from a position of detached superiority, but as one who shares in their common calling, their burdens, and their pastoral responsibilities. This choice of word lends weight to his subsequent exhortations, as he speaks from a place of shared experience and mutual understanding, reinforcing the New Testament emphasis on servant leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{G4245}}` (presbýteros), "elder," which forms the root of `{{G4850}}`. Understanding `{{G4245}}` is crucial, as it refers to individuals who are older, and by extension, those holding positions of authority and spiritual oversight in the early church. Closely associated with `{{G4245}}` are `{{G1985}}` (episkopos), "overseer" or "bishop," and `{{G4166}}` (poimēn), "shepherd." In the New Testament, these terms are often used interchangeably or in close relation to describe the same pastoral office. The concept of shared work is also illuminated by words like `{{G4903}}` (synergeo), "to work together with," which, though not directly lexical, captures the spirit of "co-laboring" inherent in `{{G4850}}`. The term `{{G4850}}` thus highlights the collegial nature of ministry, emphasizing concepts such as shared leadership, mutual responsibility, and the corporate oversight of the church.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of `{{G4850}}` in [[1 Peter 5:1]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Humility in Leadership:** Peter's self-identification as a "fellow elder" exemplifies the New Testament's call for humble, servant leadership. Even an apostle, with unique authority, chooses to identify with and serve alongside those he leads, eschewing any notion of a rigid, top-down hierarchy. This models Christ's own example of servanthood ([[Mark 10:42-45]]).
2. **Collegial Ministry:** The term strongly supports the understanding that leadership in the early church was often plural and corporate. Elders functioned as a body, sharing the responsibilities of teaching, guiding, and shepherding the flock. This contrasts with models of singular, autocratic leadership.
3. **Shared Responsibility and Burden:** By calling himself a `{{G4850}}`, Peter underscores that the weighty task of pastoring God's people is a shared endeavor. The spiritual care and oversight of the church are not the sole burden of one individual but are distributed among a plurality of qualified leaders.
4. **Apostolic Connection to Local Leadership:** The apostle's direct identification with local elders bridges the gap between the foundational apostolic ministry and the ongoing pastoral care within local congregations, suggesting a continuity in the shepherding function.
### Summary
`{{G4850}}` (sympresbýteros) means "fellow elder" or "co-elder," a term that appears uniquely in [[1 Peter 5:1]]. In this verse, Peter, an apostle, humbly identifies himself with the elders he addresses, underscoring a profound theological principle of shared leadership. The word emphasizes the collegial nature of the elder's office, promoting a model of mutual service, shared responsibility, and humility among those called to shepherd God's people. It stands as a testament to the New Testament's vision of leadership as a collective, servant-hearted endeavor, rather than an authoritarian or individualistic pursuit.
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