### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4873 (synanákeimai) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb ἀνακεῖμαι (anakeimai `{{G345}}`), which means "to recline" or "to lie back." The base verb ἀνακεῖμαι itself refers to the ancient practice of reclining on couches at a table during a meal, a common custom in Greco-Roman society, distinct from sitting upright on chairs. Therefore, G4873 specifically denotes the act of "reclining together at a meal" or "sitting at table with" others. It emphasizes both the physical posture adopted during dining and, crucially, the communal aspect of sharing a meal in close fellowship. The semantic range is quite narrow, consistently referring to the social setting of a banquet or common meal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4873 appears eight times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels, always in the context of shared meals:
* **Matthew 9:10** and **Mark 2:15**: These parallel accounts describe Jesus *reclining at table* with tax collectors and sinners. This context is highly significant as it depicts Jesus deliberately associating with societal outcasts, challenging the religious norms and criticisms of the Pharisees who deemed such association defiling. His willingness to share table fellowship with them underscores His mission of radical inclusion and grace for the marginalized.
* **Matthew 14:9** and **Mark 6:26**: Here, G4873 describes those who were *reclining at table* with Herod during the banquet where John the Baptist's execution was decreed. In contrast to Jesus's inclusive meals, this setting highlights a context of political intrigue, moral compromise, and ultimately, a horrific act. The physical act of sharing a meal here serves as a backdrop for human depravity and the abuse of power.
* **Mark 16:14**: In this post-resurrection appearance, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples as they were *reclining at table*. This instance emphasizes the continuity of fellowship and the reality of the resurrected Christ's presence among His own, even in their unbelief. The meal setting provides an intimate and tangible context for His final instructions and rebuke.
* **Luke 7:49**: During the meal at Simon the Pharisee's house, those *reclining with Jesus* begin to question His authority to forgive sins. This again highlights the social scrutiny and theological debate that often accompanied Jesus's table fellowship, particularly when He challenged established religious authority.
* **Luke 14:10**: In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus instructs guests to take the lowest place so they might be invited to move up and *recline at a higher place*. Here, the act of reclining at table serves as a metaphor for humility and honor within the Kingdom of God, teaching a spiritual lesson through a common social custom.
* **John 12:2**: This verse describes Lazarus as one of those who were *reclining with Jesus* at a dinner in Bethany. This meal, occurring shortly before Jesus's passion, showcases Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, as a living testament to Jesus's power over death, participating in fellowship with the Lord.
Across these occurrences, G4873 consistently points to the intimate and significant nature of shared meals in the ancient world, serving as settings for revelation, social commentary, and the unfolding of God's purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and theological concepts are closely related to G4873 (synanákeimai):
* ἀνακεῖμαι (anakeimai `{{G345}}`): The base verb, meaning "to recline," emphasizing the physical posture without necessarily implying "together."
* καθίζω (kathizō `{{G2523}}`): A more general verb meaning "to sit down," which does not carry the specific connotation of reclining at a meal.
* συνεσθίω (synesthió `{{G4906}}`): "To eat with," focusing on the act of eating in company rather than the specific posture of reclining. This word often carries similar theological weight regarding fellowship and inclusion.
* **Fellowship (κοινωνία - koinōnia `{{G2842}}`):** The concept of shared life and communion, which was profoundly expressed and experienced through table fellowship in the early church and in Jesus's ministry.
* **Hospitality (φιλοξενία - philoxenia `{{G5381}}`):** The practice of welcoming strangers and guests, often expressed through shared meals.
* **The Kingdom of God as a Feast:** The recurring biblical motif of God's ultimate salvation and blessings being depicted as a grand banquet or feast, where believers will "recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (e.g., [[Matthew 8:11]]). The act of reclining together at meals in the Gospels often foreshadows this eschatological reality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4873 is profound, largely due to its consistent association with Jesus's ministry:
* **Radical Inclusion and Grace:** Jesus's willingness to synanákeimai with tax collectors and sinners was a powerful demonstration of God's radical grace. It shattered social and religious barriers, proclaiming that God's invitation to fellowship extends to all, regardless of their past or social standing. This act embodied the very core of His mission to seek and save the lost.
* **Embodiment of the Kingdom:** The meals Jesus shared were not merely social gatherings; they were often enactments of the Kingdom of God breaking into the present. By sharing table fellowship, Jesus inaugurated a new community, one where traditional hierarchies and distinctions were overturned in favor of divine love and acceptance. The act of reclining together prefigured the eschatological banquet of the Kingdom.
* **Intimacy and Revelation:** Meals were intimate settings where Jesus taught, revealed His identity, and confirmed His resurrection. The disciples *reclining with Him* (Mark 16:14) after His resurrection underscores the personal and relational nature of His continued presence.
* **Challenge to Religious Hypocrisy:** The contexts in which Jesus shares meals often expose the self-righteousness and exclusivism of the religious elite (e.g., Luke 7:49). His table fellowship served as a direct challenge to their narrow interpretation of holiness and purity.
* **Humility and True Honor:** The parable in Luke 14:10 uses the physical act of reclining at a feast to illustrate the spiritual principle of humility as the path to true honor in God's eyes.
### Summary
The Greek word G4873 (synanákeimai) precisely describes the act of reclining together at a meal, a customary practice in the ancient world. Its biblical occurrences are highly significant, primarily illustrating key aspects of Jesus's ministry. It serves as a powerful symbol of radical inclusion, demonstrating Jesus's willingness to extend table fellowship to societal outcasts and sinners, thereby embodying God's grace and challenging religious exclusivism. Furthermore, these shared meals often prefigure the eschatological banquet of the Kingdom of God, highlighting the intimacy and community inherent in God's redemptive plan. While also appearing in contexts of human depravity (Herod's feast), synanákeimai predominantly underscores the profound theological implications of shared fellowship, divine acceptance, and the nature of God's transforming presence.
TRV