### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συνακολουθέω (synakolouthéō - `{{G4870}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn - `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together with," and the verb ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō - `{{G190}}`), meaning "to follow" or "to accompany." Thus, συνακολουθέω literally translates to "to follow together with," "to accompany along with," or "to go along with in company." The presence of the prefix σύν emphasizes a shared journey, a joint presence, or a common direction, distinguishing it from a mere sequential following. It implies a closer, more immediate, and often more intentional association than ἀκολουθέω alone might convey. The semantic range is narrow, focusing primarily on physical accompaniment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word συνακολουθέω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospel of Mark, and each instance offers a distinct nuance:
1. **[[Mark 5:37]]**: "And He allowed no one to συνακολουθέω Him, except Peter and James and John, the brother of James."
Here, Jesus enters the house of Jairus to raise his daughter from the dead. Of the large crowd that was following Him, Jesus permits only His inner circle—Peter, James, and John—to συνακολουθέω Him into the private space of the house. This context highlights a privileged and intimate accompaniment. The chosen disciples are allowed to share in a moment of profound divine power and witness a unique miracle. Their "following together with" implies not just physical proximity but also a shared experience of a sacred event, underscoring their special relationship with Jesus.
2. **[[Mark 14:51]]**: "And a certain young man was συνακολουθέω Him, having a linen cloth wrapped around his naked body; and they seized him."
This passage describes a mysterious figure who is συνακολουθέω Jesus after His arrest in Gethsemane. Unlike the privileged access in Mark 5, this instance depicts a vulnerable and fleeting accompaniment. The young man is "following together with" Jesus, possibly as a curious observer or an anonymous supporter, amidst the chaos of the arrest. His following is brief, ending abruptly when he is seized and flees, leaving his linen cloth behind. This starkly contrasts with the purposeful and enduring accompaniment of the disciples. It may represent a superficial or unprepared form of following, or perhaps a symbolic portrayal of the dangers faced by those who would associate with Jesus in His hour of suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō - `{{G190}}`): The base verb, meaning "to follow," often used in the context of discipleship (e.g., "Follow Me"). συνακολουθέω intensifies this by adding the element of "togetherness" or shared presence.
* σύν (syn - `{{G4862}}`): The prefix itself, indicating association, companionship, or simultaneity. This prefix is common in many Greek compound words that denote shared action or experience (e.g., συνεργός (synergos - `{{G4900}}`, "fellow worker"), συμπάσχω (sympaschō - `{{G4841}}`, "to suffer with")).
* **Companionship/Fellowship**: The word inherently speaks to the concept of being in someone's company, sharing a path or an experience.
* **Discipleship**: While ἀκολουθέω is the primary verb for "following" as a disciple, συνακολουθέω points to the *active, physical presence* and shared journey that is part of discipleship, especially for the inner circle.
* **Witness**: In [[Mark 5:37]], the συνακολουθέω of the disciples places them as privileged witnesses to a miracle.
### Theological Significance
The limited and contrasting uses of συνακολουθέω in Mark offer profound theological insights into the nature of "following" Christ:
1. **Intimate Access and Chosen Witness**: In [[Mark 5:37]], the word highlights a divine prerogative in granting intimate access. Not all who follow are granted the same level of proximity or participation in sacred moments. This selective συνακολουθέω underscores the special calling and privilege of certain individuals to witness God's power and presence in a unique way. It speaks to the concept of an "inner circle" in discipleship, chosen for deeper revelation and experience.
2. **The Cost and Vulnerability of Following**: The incident in [[Mark 14:51]] presents a stark counterpoint. The young man's συνακολουθέω is brief, vulnerable, and ends in flight and exposure. This serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers and demands of following Jesus, especially during His passion. It illustrates that not all who accompany Jesus are prepared for the full implications of that association, particularly when it leads to suffering or persecution. It may caution against superficial or uncommitted "following together with" Christ.
3. **Physical Presence and Shared Experience**: Both instances underscore the importance of physical presence and shared experience in the Gospel narrative. Whether it is a privileged witnessing of a miracle or a perilous association during arrest, συνακολουθέω grounds the spiritual reality of following Christ in concrete, bodily movement alongside Him. It emphasizes that discipleship is not merely intellectual assent but an active, shared journey.
### Summary
συνακολουθέω (synakolouthéō - `{{G4870}}`) means "to follow together with" or "to accompany," emphasizing a shared journey or joint presence. Its two occurrences in the Gospel of Mark provide rich, contrasting theological insights. In [[Mark 5:37]], it describes the privileged and intimate accompaniment of Peter, James, and John into Jairus's house, signifying a chosen few granted close access to Jesus's miraculous power. Conversely, in [[Mark 14:51]], it portrays the fleeting, vulnerable, and ultimately failed accompaniment of a young man during Jesus's arrest, highlighting the perils and demands of following Christ, especially in moments of crisis. Together, these uses underscore the varied nature of "following" Jesus, from intimate companionship and privileged witness to the potential for superficiality or the profound cost involved in physical proximity to the suffering Messiah.
TRV