The Greek word syneklektós, represented by G4899, means chosen in company with, or elected together with. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, highlighting a specific and unique concept of shared election. The term itself is a compound, signifying a "co-elect" or "fellow Christian."
The sole appearance of G4899 is in 1 Peter 5:13. In this closing salutation, the term describes the church located at Babylon G897 as being "elected together with" the recipients of the letter. This establishes a sense of shared spiritual status and unity between two distinct groups of believers, despite their geographical separation. The greeting also includes Marcus G3138, who is referred to as Peter's son G5207.
Several related words in the verse provide context for the concept of being co-elect:
- G782 aspázomai (to salute, welcome): This word for greeting or saluting conveys the warmth and fellowship shared between those who are elected together. Peter uses it to send greetings from the church in Babylon 1 Peter 5:13.
- G897 Babylṓn (Babylon): This identifies the location of the "co-elect" church. It is used to refer to the capitol of Chaldæa, sometimes figuratively as a type of tyranny Revelation 17:5.
- G3138 Márkos (Marcus, Mark): The inclusion of a specific person, Marcus G3138, in the greeting personalizes the sense of community among the elect 1 Peter 5:13.
- G5207 huiós (son): This term, used by Peter to describe Marcus G3138, highlights a close, familial bond within the Christian community, reinforcing the idea of a shared identity 1 Peter 5:13.
The use of G4899 carries specific theological weight, even in its single appearance.
- Corporate Identity: The term emphasizes that believers are not elected in isolation but "in company with" one another. The subject of the action is "The church," which is described as being "elected together with" other believers 1 Peter 5:13.
- Unity in Election: By describing one church as "co-elect" with another, the word highlights a fundamental unity and shared spiritual status that connects all Christians, regardless of their location or circumstances.
- Foundation for Fellowship: This shared election is the basis for the fellowship and greetings extended in the passage. The salutation from the church in Babylon G897 and from Marcus G3138 is rooted in this common identity as fellow chosen people 1 Peter 5:13.
In summary, G4899 syneklektós is a rare but potent word that encapsulates the idea of a shared, corporate election. Its single use in scripture defines the relationship between believers and churches as being "chosen in company with" one another 1 Peter 5:13. This term moves beyond individual election to establish a theological foundation for Christian unity, identity, and fellowship across the entire body of Christ.
TRV