### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συναγωνίζομαι (synagōnízomai, `{{G4865}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together with," and the verb ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai, `{{G75}}`), meaning "to contend for a prize," "to struggle," "to fight," or "to strive." The combination of these two elements yields a rich semantic range that emphasizes a shared, intense effort.
Literally, συναγωνίζομαι signifies "to struggle in company with" or "to contend alongside." It implies a joint participation in a difficult or strenuous endeavor. The presence of σύν elevates the individual struggle (ἀγωνίζομαι) to a collective one, highlighting solidarity and mutual effort. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being a partner or an assistant in a significant struggle, indicating active cooperation and fervent support. The word carries the connotation of a vigorous, focused, and united exertion, often against opposition or toward a challenging goal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συναγωνίζομαι (synagōnízomai, `{{G4865}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **Romans 15:30**: "Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God." [[Romans 15:30]]
In this pivotal passage, Paul appeals to the Roman believers for their earnest intercession. The phrase "strive together with me" (συναγωνίζομαι) is highly significant. Paul does not merely ask for prayers but for a shared, fervent, and intense engagement in prayer. The "struggle" here is not physical combat but a spiritual wrestling, a profound and active participation in prayer for Paul's ministry and safety as he plans to visit Jerusalem and then Rome.
The context reveals Paul's awareness of the spiritual opposition and challenges he faces. By using συναγωνίζομαι, he invites the Roman church to join him in this spiritual battle through the powerful medium of prayer. This underscores the corporate nature of Christian life and ministry, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens and engage collectively in spiritual disciplines, particularly intercessory prayer, with the same intensity one might bring to an athletic contest or a military campaign. It is a call to active, not passive, solidarity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of συναγωνίζομαι (synagōnízomai, `{{G4865}}`) is enriched by examining its component parts and related terms:
* **ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai, `{{G75}}`)**: This is the root verb, meaning "to contend," "to struggle," or "to fight." It is frequently used in the New Testament to describe intense spiritual effort or conflict, such as striving for the truth (Colossians 1:29; 4:12), running a race (1 Corinthians 9:25), or entering the narrow gate (Luke 13:24). Its presence in συναγωνίζομαι emphasizes the strenuous and dedicated nature of the shared effort.
* **ἀγών (agōn, `{{G73}}`)**: The noun form of ἀγωνίζομαι, referring to a "contest," "struggle," or "conflict." It highlights the arena or sphere of intense effort, whether physical or spiritual.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix "with" or "together." This preposition is foundational to understanding the corporate dimension of συναγωνίζομαι. It appears in numerous other New Testament words that denote partnership, companionship, or shared action, such as συνεργός (synergos, `{{G4904}}`, "fellow worker") and συγκοινωνός (sygkoinōnos, `{{G4791}}`, "fellow partaker").
* **Concepts**: The word illuminates several key biblical concepts:
* **Intercessory Prayer**: It elevates prayer from a mere request to an active, intense, and collaborative spiritual engagement.
* **Corporate Christian Life**: It underscores the necessity of mutual support, shared burdens, and collective action within the body of Christ. Believers are not meant to struggle in isolation.
* **Spiritual Warfare**: The "struggle" inherent in the word points to the reality of spiritual opposition and the need for believers to unite in combating it through prayer and faithfulness.
* **Partnership in Ministry**: It exemplifies the call for believers to actively participate and support the work of God's servants through their fervent prayers.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of συναγωνίζομαι (synagōnízomai, `{{G4865}}`) in [[Romans 15:30]] carries profound theological weight, particularly regarding the nature of Christian community and spiritual engagement.
Firstly, it underscores the **corporate nature of the Christian walk and ministry**. Paul's plea reveals that even an apostle of his stature recognized his dependence on the collective prayers of the saints. The Christian life is not an individualistic journey but a shared pilgrimage, where believers are called to "strive together" in mutual support and shared purpose. This fosters unity and interdependence within the body of Christ, reminding us that we are members one of another.
Secondly, the word elevates **intercessory prayer to a level of intense spiritual engagement**. It is not a passive activity but an active, fervent "struggle" in the spiritual realm. This aligns with other New Testament passages that portray prayer as wrestling (e.g., Colossians 4:12, where Epaphras "struggles earnestly" - ἀγωνίζομαι - in prayer). To "strive together" in prayer means to commit oneself with diligence, persistence, and earnestness, recognizing the gravity and power of addressing God on behalf of others.
Finally, συναγωνίζομαι highlights the **reality of spiritual opposition and the need for collective spiritual warfare**. Paul knew that his mission would face formidable challenges, and he sought the unified, intense prayer support of the Roman church to overcome these obstacles. This term reminds believers that they are enlisted in a spiritual battle, and their most potent weapon, wielded in unity, is fervent prayer. It calls the church to active participation in God's redemptive purposes through the disciplined and passionate exercise of intercession.
### Summary
The Greek verb συναγωνίζομαι (synagōnízomai, `{{G4865}}`) precisely captures the concept of an intense, shared struggle or contention. Formed from σύν ("together with") and ἀγωνίζομαι ("to strive, struggle"), it denotes a vigorous, cooperative effort. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 15:30]] vividly illustrates Paul's call for the Roman believers to "strive together" with him in fervent prayer. This single usage powerfully conveys the theological truth that the Christian life is profoundly corporate, demanding active and earnest participation in spiritual disciplines, especially intercessory prayer. It emphasizes the critical importance of mutual support, unified spiritual warfare, and shared commitment within the body of Christ, elevating prayer to a collaborative and intense spiritual wrestling for God's purposes.
TRV