### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synathléō**, represented by `{{G4866}}`, is defined as to **wrestle in company with** or to **seek jointly**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Formed from the words σύν (with) and ἀθλέω (to wrestle), it figuratively means to **labour with** or **strive together for** a common purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4866}}` consistently describes a cooperative spiritual effort. Paul uses it in his letter to the Philippians to urge believers to **stand fast** `{{G4739}}` in one **spirit** `{{G4151}}` and one **mind** `{{G5590}}`, **striving together** for the **faith** `{{G4102}}` of the gospel [[Philippians 1:27]]. It is also used to acknowledge the vital contributions of fellow Christians, describing certain women who **laboured** `{{G4866}}` with him in the gospel, alongside other named and unnamed **fellowlabourers** `{{G4904}}` [[Philippians 4:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the concept of collaborative struggle and support:
* `{{G4739}}` **stḗkō** (stand fast): Meaning to be stationary or to **persevere**, this word is used alongside `{{G4866}}` to call for stability and endurance in the faith [[Philippians 1:27]].
* `{{G4904}}` **synergós** (fellowlabourer): Defined as a **co-laborer** or **coadjutor**, this term describes those who share in the work of the gospel, as seen in the context of those who **laboured with** Paul [[Philippians 4:3]].
* `{{G4815}}` **syllambánō** (help): Meaning to clasp or, by implication, to **aid**, this verb is used in the command to **help** the women who had strived together with Paul [[Philippians 4:3]].
* `{{G4805}}` **sýzygos** (yokefellow): Meaning **co-yoked** or a **colleague**, this term identifies the person called upon to assist those who labored in the gospel, emphasizing a shared burden [[Philippians 4:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4866}}` highlights the corporate nature of the Christian faith.
* **Corporate Unity:** The term emphasizes that the Christian life is a shared struggle. Believers are called to **strive together** for the **faith** `{{G4102}}` with a unified **spirit** `{{G4151}}` and **mind** `{{G5590}}` [[Philippians 1:27]].
* **Partnership in the Gospel:** It shows that ministry is a collaborative effort. Paul specifically identifies women and others who **laboured** `{{G4866}}` with him, acknowledging them as essential **fellowlabourers** `{{G4904}}` in advancing the gospel [[Philippians 4:3]].
* **Active Contention for Faith:** The root meaning of "to wrestle" combined with its context implies an active, energetic defense of the gospel, not merely a passive belief. This is shown in the exhortation to **stand fast** `{{G4739}}` and **strive together** [[Philippians 1:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4866}}` **synathléō** is a potent term for corporate spiritual effort. It moves beyond individual struggle to describe a unified team **wrestling in company with** one another. Whether it is **striving together for the faith** of the gospel [[Philippians 1:27]] or **labouring with** fellow believers in ministry [[Philippians 4:3]], the word consistently points to the necessity of partnership, unity, and active participation in the Christian life.
TRV