### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synanamígnymi**, represented by `{{G4874}}`, means to mix up together or, figuratively, to associate or keep company with. It is a specific term used to define the nature of association within the community of believers. This word appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G4874}}` is primarily instructional, outlining how believers should interact with those within the church who are living in unrepentant sin. In an **epistle** `{{G1992}}`, a command was **written** `{{G1125}}` "not to **company** with fornicators" [[1 Corinthians 5:9]]. This instruction is later clarified to apply specifically to "any man that is called a **brother**" `{{G80}}` who is a **fornicator** `{{G4205}}`, **covetous** `{{G4123}}`, an **idolater** `{{G1496}}`, or an **extortioner** `{{G727}}`. The command is explicit: "with such an one no not to **eat**" [[1 Corinthians 5:11]]. Similarly, if someone does not **obey** `{{G5219}}` the apostolic **word** `{{G3056}}` in the **epistle** `{{G1992}}`, believers are to "have no **company** with him, that he may be **ashamed**" `{{G1788}}` [[2 Thessalonians 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and purpose of this command:
* `{{G1992}}` **epistolḗ** (a written message): This word establishes that the command to not **keep company** `{{G4874}}` is a formal, written instruction for the church ([[1 Corinthians 5:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:14]]).
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (a brother): This term is crucial, as it limits the application of the command to a person who is "called a **brother**," distinguishing internal church discipline from interaction with outsiders [[1 Corinthians 5:11]].
* `{{G5219}}` **hypakoúō** (to heed or conform to a command or authority): Disobedience is the trigger for the separation. When a man does not **obey** the instruction, the church is to respond by noting him and withdrawing company [[2 Thessalonians 3:14]].
* `{{G1788}}` **entrépō** (to confound): This word reveals the redemptive purpose behind the command. The goal of having no company with the disobedient person is so "that he may be **ashamed**," indicating a desire for his restoration [[2 Thessalonians 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4874}}` centers on the concepts of church purity and restorative discipline.
* **Maintaining Community Holiness:** The instruction to not **keep company** with an unrepentant **brother** `{{G80}}` serves to protect the integrity and witness of the church body by refusing to condone sinful behavior [[1 Corinthians 5:11]].
* **A Call to Repentance:** The act of separation is not intended as a final condemnation but as a disciplinary measure. The aim is for the individual to be **ashamed** `{{G1788}}`, which can lead to repentance and restoration to the community [[2 Thessalonians 3:14]].
* **Practical Application of Boundaries:** The command is not abstract but concrete, extending to the point of not even sharing a meal with such a person, a significant act of social and religious association [[1 Corinthians 5:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4874}}` is more than just avoiding someone; it describes a deliberate and purposeful act of disassociation within the church. This "un-mixing" is a direct response to a fellow believer's unrepentant sin or disobedience to apostolic teaching. The command, given by **epistle** `{{G1992}}`, aims to preserve the church's purity while simultaneously creating an environment where the straying individual might feel **ashamed** `{{G1788}}` and return to fellowship.
TRV