### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συναπάγω (synapágō), `{{G4879}}`, is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together with," and ἀπάγω (apagō), meaning "to lead away," "to carry away," or "to take away." The core meaning thus signifies "to lead or carry away together with," or "to transport with."
Its semantic range extends beyond the literal to encompass significant metaphorical and ethical dimensions:
1. **To be carried away with/by:** This often implies being influenced, swayed, or swept along by an external force, idea, or group, sometimes against one's better judgment or will. This can denote a passive yielding to pressure or temptation.
2. **To be led astray with/by:** In a negative sense, it can mean to be seduced, misguided, or drawn into error or hypocrisy alongside others.
3. **To associate with/to condescend to:** This particular nuance, found in the definition "condescend," refers not to a patronizing attitude, but rather to adapting oneself to the level or company of others, particularly those who are humble or of lower social standing. It implies a willingness to identify with, or go along with, the less esteemed, out of humility or empathy. This sense is crucial for understanding its use in specific Pauline contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συναπάγω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
1. **Romans 12:16**: "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." [[Romans 12:16]]
* Here, the phrase "associate with the lowly" (τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι) employs συναπάγω in a positive, ethical sense. It is a command for humility and empathy. Believers are exhorted not to be arrogant or to aspire only to high things, but rather to willingly "be carried along with" or "adapt themselves to" those of humble status or means. This is the "condescend" meaning, understood not as looking down upon, but as coming down to their level, sharing their experiences, and showing solidarity. It reflects the example of Christ, who humbled Himself.
2. **Galatians 2:13**: "And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy." [[Galatians 2:13]]
* In this context, συναπάγω (συναπήχθησαν) is used in a negative sense. Barnabas, a respected leader, was "carried away" or "led astray" by the hypocrisy of Peter and other Jewish believers concerning table fellowship with Gentiles. The passive voice emphasizes that he was influenced and drawn into their errant behavior. This highlights the danger of peer pressure and the pervasive nature of sin, even among spiritual leaders.
3. **2 Peter 3:17**: "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability." [[2 Peter 3:17]]
* This verse presents a clear warning. συναπάγω (συναπαχθέντες) here means "to be carried away with" or "to be swept along by" the error (πλάνῃ) of the ungodly. It speaks to the insidious nature of false teaching and the risk of spiritual instability. Believers are admonished to be vigilant and grounded in truth to avoid being passively drawn into doctrinal or moral deviation, which could lead to them falling from their steadfastness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of συναπάγω resonates with several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἀπάγω (apagō) `{{G520}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to lead away," often with a sense of compulsion or misdirection (e.g., to prison, to death). συναπάγω adds the dimension of "together with" or "by means of."
* **πλανάω (planaō) `{{G4105}}`**: "to lead astray, deceive, cause to wander." This word describes the outcome or process of being συναπάγω in a negative sense, as seen in 2 Peter 3:17.
* **παρασύρω (parasyrō) `{{G3882}}`**: "to drag along, carry away." Used in Jude 1:11 to describe being carried away by error.
* **συγκατατίθημι (sygkatatithēmi) `{{G4784}}`**: "to agree with, assent to." While not identical, this can describe the internal disposition that leads one to be συναπάγω in the sense of yielding.
Theologically, συναπάγω touches upon:
* **Humility and Identification:** As seen in Romans 12:16, it calls for believers to humble themselves and identify with those of lower status, mirroring Christ's own condescension (in the sense of coming down to human level).
* **Spiritual Discernment and Steadfastness:** The negative uses highlight the constant need for vigilance against false teaching, worldly influences, and hypocrisy. It underscores the importance of being firmly rooted in truth to avoid being "carried away."
* **The Power of Influence:** The word implicitly acknowledges that individuals are often influenced by their environment and associates, for better or for worse.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συναπάγω lies in its dual admonition concerning the nature of Christian discipleship. On one hand, it calls for a radical humility that manifests in genuine association with the lowly. This is not merely an act of charity but a profound identification that reflects the very heart of the Gospel, where the Creator condescended to become one with His creation (cf. Philippians 2:5-8). This positive "being carried along with" is a mark of Christ-like love and self-abasement.
On the other hand, the term serves as a stark warning against spiritual compromise and theological drift. The ease with which even Barnabas could be "carried away" by hypocrisy ([[Galatians 2:13]]) or believers could be swept into "the error of lawless people" ([[2 Peter 3:17]]) underscores the perpetual need for spiritual vigilance. It highlights the subtle and often communal nature of temptation and deception. Believers are not immune to being swayed by prevailing currents of thought or ungodly practices, especially when these influences come from within the community or from respected figures. The word thus emphasizes the critical importance of personal spiritual stability, grounded in divine truth, to resist being passively led astray.
### Summary
The Greek word συναπάγω (synapágō) `{{G4879}}` carries the core meaning of "to lead or carry away together with." Its biblical usage reveals a crucial dual application for Christian life. Positively, it mandates a humble "condescension" or association with the lowly, embodying empathy and identification with those of less esteemed status, as exhorted in [[Romans 12:16]]. This reflects a Christ-like willingness to adapt and serve. Negatively, συναπάγω warns against the perilous tendency to be "carried away" or "led astray" by error, hypocrisy, or ungodly influences, as seen in [[Galatians 2:13]] and [[2 Peter 3:17]]. It underscores the vital necessity for believers to cultivate spiritual discernment, steadfastness, and a firm grounding in truth to resist being passively swayed by detrimental forces, while actively embracing humble fellowship.
TRV