### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synanákeimai**, represented by `{{G4873}}`, means to **recline in company with** at a meal. It is formed from the words σύν and ἀνακεῖμαι, explicitly denoting a shared or joint reclining. This term appears **10 times** across **9 unique verses**, consistently depicting the act of sharing a meal with others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4873}}` highlights the social and relational significance of meals. Jesus is often shown **sitting down** with his disciples as well as with **many publicans and sinners** who came to join them ([[Matthew 9:10]], [[Mark 2:15]]). This act of shared dining was a powerful statement of fellowship. The word is also used to describe the guests at Herod's feast, whose presence influenced his decision to grant Herodias's daughter's request, as he considered "them which **sat with him at meat**" ([[Matthew 14:9]], [[Mark 6:26]]). At a supper made for Jesus, Lazarus was noted as "one of them that **sat at the table** with him" [[John 12:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the act of dining together:
* `{{G345}}` **anakeîmai** (to recline): This word signifies the basic act of reclining for a meal. `{{G4873}}` adds the prefix "syn-" (with) to this action, emphasizing the "togetherness." Jesus is said to have **sat at meat** `{{G345}}` in the house when the sinners came to **sit down** `{{G4873}}` with him [[Matthew 9:10]].
* `{{G1173}}` **deîpnon** (supper): This term defines the meal itself, often an evening feast. It provides the setting where people would **sit at the table** `{{G4873}}` together, as when they made Jesus a **supper** and Martha served [[John 12:2]].
* `{{G5057}}` **telṓnēs** (publican): This identifies a specific group with whom Jesus often shared meals. The Gospels record that **publicans** came and **sat down** `{{G4873}}` with Jesus, demonstrating His willingness to associate with social outcasts [[Mark 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G4873}}` carries significant social and theological weight, often illustrating key aspects of Jesus's ministry.
* **Inclusive Fellowship:** By **sitting together** with publicans and sinners, Jesus demonstrated a radical inclusivity that challenged the social norms of his day [[Matthew 9:10]]. The shared meal was a symbol of acceptance.
* **Social Obligation and Witness:** The presence of fellow diners created a powerful social context. King Herod felt bound by his oath partly due to "them which **sat with him at meat**" [[Matthew 14:9]], showing the public nature of such gatherings.
* **A Setting for Revelation:** Important questions and statements arose from those **sitting at meat** with Jesus. They began to question among themselves who Jesus was when He forgave sins [[Luke 7:49]], and it was a fellow diner who proclaimed, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God" [[Luke 14:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4873}}` does more than describe a physical posture; it paints a picture of community, acceptance, and social interaction. Whether depicting the controversial company Jesus kept, the peer pressure felt by a king, or the intimate fellowship of friends like Lazarus, **synanákeimai** underscores that the act of eating together in the biblical narrative is a deeply meaningful event, rich with relational and theological importance.