### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word συμφύω (symphýō), cataloged as `{{G4855}}`, is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb φύω (phýō), meaning "to grow," "to bring forth," or "to spring up." Therefore, the core meaning of συμφύω is "to grow together," "to be born jointly," or "to spring up with." The passive voice in its base definition emphasizes the state of being organically united or conjoined. It denotes an intimate, natural, and often inseparable bond, particularly in the context of botanical growth where two entities become one through their development.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the lemma provided, συμφύω (symphýō), is a verb, its sole New Testament occurrence is in the adjectival form, σύμφυτος (symphytos), which is nonetheless indexed under the same Strong's number `{{G4855}}`. This adjectival form appears once, in a passage of profound theological significance:
* **[[Romans 6:5]]**: "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his." (NIV) The King James Version translates it as "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
In this verse, σύμφυτος describes the believer's relationship with Christ. The imagery is botanical, suggesting a grafting or an organic growth where two distinct entities become inextricably linked and share a common life. The term emphasizes an organic, vital, and transformative union, not merely a superficial association. Believers are not simply *like* Christ in His death and resurrection, but have become *grown together* or *united* with Him in these pivotal events. This union is presented as a past completed action ("have been united/planted together"), indicating the decisive nature of conversion and baptism as the means by which this spiritual reality is apprehended. The context of Romans 6 is baptism, which Paul presents as a symbolic and actual participation in Christ's death to sin and resurrection to new life. The word σύμφυτος underscores the depth and reality of this identification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of συμφύω/σύμφυτος is enriched by its constituent parts and related terms:
* **σύν (syn)** `{{G4862}}`: This prefix is ubiquitous in the New Testament and consistently denotes togetherness, companionship, or union. Its presence in συμφύω highlights the communal and participative aspect of the growth or union.
* **φύω (phýō)** `{{G5453}}`: The root verb for "to grow," "to spring up," or "to bring forth." It speaks to organic, natural development and life.
* **φυτεύω (phyteuō)** `{{G5452}}`: "To plant." This verb is closely related to φύω and directly informs the "planted together" translation in [[Romans 6:5]], reinforcing the botanical metaphor.
* **Organic Union**: The concept of believers being "in Christ" or "with Christ" is a foundational Pauline theme. Words like ἐν Χριστῷ ("in Christ"), σῶμα Χριστοῦ ("body of Christ"), and συν- (compounds like συνζωοποιέω `{{G4806}}` "to make alive together," συνεγείρω `{{G4891}}` "to raise together," συνθάπτω `{{G4916}}` "to bury together") all point to this deep, spiritual identification and co-participation with Christ, of which σύμφυτος is a powerful expression.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of σύμφυτος in [[Romans 6:5]] carries immense theological weight, serving as a cornerstone for understanding the believer's union with Christ.
1. **Transformative Union**: The word signifies a profound, organic, and transformative union with Christ. It is not merely an intellectual assent or a legal declaration, but a vital, spiritual grafting whereby the believer's life is inextricably intertwined with Christ's.
2. **Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection**: The "growing together" is specifically with the "likeness of his death" and "resurrection." This means that believers, through faith and baptism, are spiritually identified with Christ's crucifixion (dying to sin and the old self) and His resurrection (being raised to walk in newness of life). This union is the basis for sanctification and the power to overcome sin.
3. **Basis for New Life**: Because believers are "symphytos" with Christ, His victory over sin and death becomes their victory. His resurrection life becomes their new reality. This union is the source of spiritual vitality and enables the believer to live a life pleasing to God, no longer enslaved to sin.
4. **Baptismal Significance**: In the context of Romans 6, σύμφυτος underscores the profound spiritual reality symbolized and actualized in Christian baptism. Baptism is not merely an outward ritual but a participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, signifying the believer's union with Him in these events.
### Summary
The Greek word συμφύω (symphýō) `{{G4855}}`, though appearing in its adjectival form σύμφυτος, profoundly illuminates the nature of the believer's union with Christ. Meaning "grown together" or "united with," its singular occurrence in [[Romans 6:5]] powerfully conveys an organic, vital, and transformative identification with Christ's death and resurrection. This botanical metaphor underscores the inseparable bond between Christ and His followers, forming the theological basis for the believer's new life, freedom from sin, and participation in Christ's victory. It is a concept central to Pauline theology, emphasizing not just an intellectual agreement but a deep, spiritual co-existence and co-participation with the resurrected Lord.
TRV