### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συνδοξάζω (syndoxázō, `{{G4888}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb δοξάζω (doxázō, `{{G1392}}`), which means "to glorify," "to honor," or "to exalt." The prefix σύν is crucial, indicating a shared, joint, or co-operative action. Therefore, συνδοξάζω literally means "to glorify together" or "to be glorified with." Its core meaning encompasses the idea of being exalted to dignity in company with another, implying a participation in or a sharing of glory. The semantic range is narrow due to its singular biblical occurrence, but it clearly points to a reciprocal or communal glorification, particularly in an eschatological context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συνδοξάζω (syndoxázō, `{{G4888}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 8:17]]**: "and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
In this profound declaration, Paul establishes a direct link between the suffering of believers and their future glorification. The context of [[Romans 8]] is the believer's adoption as children of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and the certainty of their future inheritance. Paul states that believers are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ." This co-heirship implies a shared destiny and status with the Son. The condition for sharing in Christ's glory is explicitly stated: "provided we suffer with him" (εἴπερ συμπάσχομεν, eíper sympáschomen, from συμπάσχω, `{{G4841}}`). The suffering here refers to the tribulations, persecutions, and self-denial that characterize the Christian life in a fallen world, mirroring Christ's own path of suffering before His exaltation. The ἵνα (hina - "in order that") clause then introduces the purpose or result: "in order that we may also be glorified with him" (ἵνα καὶ συνδοξασθῶμεν, hina kaì syndoxasthōmen). This verse thus presents a theological axiom: participation in Christ's suffering is the pathway to participation in His glory. The verb συνδοξάζω underscores the intimate union between Christ and believers, where their ultimate exaltation is not merely parallel to His, but intrinsically bound up with His.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of συνδοξάζω (syndoxázō, `{{G4888}}`) is enriched by examining its constituent parts and other "syn-" compounds that describe the believer's union with Christ:
* **δοξάζω (doxázō, `{{G1392}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to glorify," "to honor," or "to praise." It is used extensively in the New Testament to describe the glorification of God, Christ, or even believers in an eschatological sense. συνδοξάζω specifies the *manner* of this glorification – it is *with* Christ.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`)**: The prepositional prefix, denoting association, companionship, or union. Its presence in numerous New Testament verbs highlights the believer's profound identification with Christ in various aspects of His experience.
* **συμπάσχω (sympaschō, `{{G4841}}`)**: "To suffer with." This verb directly precedes συνδοξάζω in [[Romans 8:17]], forming a crucial theological pair. It emphasizes that shared suffering is the prerequisite for shared glory.
* **συνσταυρόω (synstauroō, `{{G4957}}`)**: "To crucify with." Found in [[Romans 6:6]] and [[Galatians 2:20]], it speaks of the believer's spiritual death to sin through identification with Christ's crucifixion.
* **συνθάπτω (synthaptō, `{{G4916}}`)**: "To bury with." Used in [[Romans 6:4]] and [[Colossians 2:12]], signifying the believer's burial with Christ in baptism, symbolizing a break from the old life.
* **συνεγείρω (synegeirō, `{{G4891}}`)**: "To raise with." Found in [[Colossians 2:12]] and [[Colossians 3:1]], it speaks of the believer's spiritual resurrection to new life through identification with Christ's resurrection.
* **συγκαθίζω (sygkathizō, `{{G4776}}`)**: "To seat with." In [[Ephesians 2:6]], believers are described as being "seated with" Christ in the heavenly realms, indicating their present spiritual position of authority and union.
* **συγκληρονόμος (sygklēronomos, `{{G4789}}`)**: "Fellow heir." Used in [[Romans 8:17]] to describe believers as "fellow heirs with Christ," reinforcing the shared inheritance and destiny.
These "syn-" compounds collectively paint a picture of the believer's comprehensive union with Christ, encompassing His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, suffering, and ultimately, His glory.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of συνδοξάζω (syndoxázō, `{{G4888}}`) in [[Romans 8:17]] carries immense theological weight. It is a powerful declaration of the believer's eschatological hope and ultimate destiny in Christ.
1. **Union with Christ**: The word profoundly underscores the believer's mystical yet real union with Christ. Our glorification is not independent but inextricably linked to Christ's own exaltation. As Christ was glorified by the Father after His suffering, so too will those united with Him share in that same glory.
2. **The Pathway of Suffering to Glory**: This verse establishes a fundamental principle of Christian discipleship: suffering is not an end in itself, but a necessary prelude to glory. It mirrors Christ's own path (e.g., [[Luke 24:26]], [[Philippians 2:8-9]]). For the believer, enduring hardships "with Christ" means participating in His redemptive work and identifying with His self-giving love, which ultimately leads to divine vindication and exaltation.
3. **Certainty of Future Hope**: Despite present sufferings, συνδοξάζω points to a certain future. The promise of being "glorified with him" is a divine guarantee for those who are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ. This future glorification encompasses not only the transformation of the believer's body (cf. [[Romans 8:23]], [[Philippians 3:21]]) but also their full participation in the divine honor and majesty of Christ.
4. **Corporate Dimension**: While individual glorification is implied, the "together with" aspect of συνδοξάζω also speaks to the corporate reality of the body of Christ. Believers will be glorified *together* as the redeemed community, reflecting the glory of their Head. This shared destiny fosters solidarity and perseverance amidst trials.
5. **Divine Faithfulness**: The promise of συνδοξάζω highlights God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in His children. Having adopted them, indwelt them by His Spirit, and made them heirs, He will surely bring them to their destined glory alongside His Son.
### Summary
συνδοξάζω (syndoxázō, `{{G4888}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to glorify together" or "to be glorified with." Its singular appearance in [[Romans 8:17]] is profoundly significant, articulating the core Christian hope: if believers suffer "with Christ" (συμπάσχω, `{{G4841}}`), they will also be glorified "with him." This word encapsulates the believer's deep, comprehensive union with Christ, not only in His redemptive acts (death, resurrection) but also in His experience of suffering and ultimate exaltation. It underscores the divine promise that the path of shared tribulation with Christ leads inevitably to a shared, certain, and glorious future, where believers will participate in the very honor and dignity of their Lord. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to bring His children to their full and glorious inheritance.
TRV