### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4900 (συνελαύνω, *synelaúnō*) is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (`{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb ἐλαύνω (`{{G1643}}`), which signifies "to drive," "to impel," or "to push." Literally, therefore, συνελαύνω means "to drive together" or "to impel alongside." This suggests a forceful or purposeful bringing together of disparate elements. The base definition provided by Strong's indicates a figurative extension of this literal sense: "to exhort (to reconciliation)" or "to set at one again." This figurative meaning implies an active, intentional effort to bridge divides and foster unity, moving individuals or groups from a state of separation to one of harmony.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4900 (συνελαύνω) appears only once in the New Testament, and even then, it is found as a textual variant. In some manuscripts of [[Acts 18:7]], where the standard text reads μετελθὼν (*metelthōn*), meaning "having gone" or "having moved," other manuscripts present συνελαύνω. If συνελαύνω were the original reading in this context, it would most likely carry the sense of "moving to" or "going into" a new location, specifically Paul moving from the synagogue to the house of Titius Justus. In this particular narrative context, the literal meaning of "to move" or "to go" would be implied, rather than the figurative sense of reconciliation. The broader New Testament usage does not provide direct examples where συνελαύνω explicitly means "to exhort to reconciliation," making this figurative sense a potential semantic development derived from the word's components rather than an attested biblical usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of συνελαύνω offer insight into its potential semantic range. The prefix σύν (`{{G4862}}`) is prolific in the New Testament, consistently denoting association, conjunction, or shared action (e.g., συνεργός `{{G4904}}`, "fellow worker"; συνίστημι `{{G4921}}`, "to stand together"). The base verb ἐλαύνω (`{{G1643}}`) is used in various contexts, from driving out demons ([[Mark 1:34]]) to rowing a boat ([[Mark 6:48]]) or being driven by a storm ([[James 3:4]]).
If the figurative sense of "exhorting to reconciliation" is considered, then συνελαύνω would conceptually relate to words like καταλλάσσω (`{{G2644}}`, "to reconcile"), διαλλάσσω (`{{G1290}}`, "to reconcile, to make peace"), and παρακαλέω (`{{G3870}}`, "to exhort, comfort, appeal"). These terms highlight the active pursuit of peace and unity, which is a central theme in Christian theology.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular and variant occurrence in the New Testament, the direct theological significance of G4900 (συνελαύνω) is limited. Its primary attested meaning in [[Acts 18:7]], if accepted as a variant, is a simple narrative detail of movement.
However, if one considers the potential figurative meaning of "to exhort to reconciliation" or "to set at one again," which is derived from the word's etymology, then συνελαύνω touches upon profound theological truths. Reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel, as God, through Christ, reconciled the world to Himself ([[2 Corinthians 5:19]]). The church is called to be an agent of reconciliation, both vertically (between humanity and God) and horizontally (between individuals and groups). The idea of "driving together" or "impelling towards" reconciliation speaks to the active, intentional, and sometimes challenging work involved in overcoming division and fostering unity within the body of Christ and in the world. While this specific word does not directly articulate this theological concept in the New Testament, the underlying notion of purposefully bringing together that which is disparate resonates deeply with the divine imperative for peace and unity.
### Summary
G4900 (συνελαύνω) is a rare Greek verb, literally meaning "to drive together" or "to impel alongside." While Strong's provides a figurative definition of "to exhort to reconciliation" or "to set at one again," its sole New Testament appearance is as a textual variant in [[Acts 18:7]], where it would signify "to move" or "to go." Thus, the New Testament does not directly attest to the figurative meaning of reconciliation for this specific word. Nevertheless, the etymological components of σύν (together) and ἐλαύνω (to drive) inherently convey a sense of purposeful unification. Although not a prominent term in biblical theology, its conceptual root points to the active and intentional process of bringing disparate elements into harmony, a theme central to the Christian message of reconciliation.
TRV