### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synapóllymi**, represented by `{{G4881}}`, is defined as to destroy or perish in company with. A compound of two other words, it specifically means to be slain or perish with others. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4881}}` appears in a summary of Old Testament faith heroes. In [[Hebrews 11:31]], the text states that by **faith** `{{G4102}}`, **Rahab** `{{G4460}}` the **harlot** `{{G4204}}` did **not** `{{G3756}}` **perish with** `{{G4881}}` those who **believed not** `{{G544}}`. Her salvation from the shared destruction of her city was a direct result of her action: she **received** `{{G1209}}` the Israelite **spies** `{{G2685}}` with **peace** `{{G1515}}`. This verse starkly contrasts the fate of the faithful individual with the collective doom of the disobedient.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words from its only context in [[Hebrews 11:31]] help clarify the meaning of `{{G4881}}`:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion, credence, faith): This is the foundational reason Rahab was not destroyed with her people. It represents a reliance upon God for salvation.
* `{{G544}}` **apeithéō** (to disbelieve, disobedient): This describes the group with whom Rahab did not perish. Their destruction was linked to their willful and perverse disbelief.
* `{{G1209}}` **déchomai** (to receive, accept, take): This specifies the action that demonstrated Rahab's faith, as she welcomed the spies.
* `{{G1515}}` **eirḗnē** (peace, quietness, rest): This describes the manner in which Rahab received the spies, indicating she was not hostile but aligned with them and their God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4881}}` is demonstrated entirely within its single appearance.
* **Corporate Judgment:** The word's definition, "to perish with," inherently points to a collective fate. It shows that there is a shared destiny for those who are disobedient `{{G544}}` and do not believe.
* **Salvation by Faith:** Rahab's story, using this term, is a clear example that faith `{{G4102}}` is what separates a person from the judgment that falls upon the unbelieving. She was spared from perishing *with* them because she believed.
* **Active Belief:** Her faith was not merely a passive thought but was evidenced by her actions—receiving `{{G1209}}` the spies. This act of hospitality toward God's messengers demonstrated her separation from the collective disobedience of her city.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G4881}}` is used only once, its meaning is powerful. It encapsulates the idea of a shared destruction reserved for the disobedient. Its use in [[Hebrews 11:31]] serves as a sharp contrast, illustrating that personal faith is the definitive factor that delivers an individual from perishing with the unbelieving world.
TRV