### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb synergéō (συνεργέω, `{{G4903}}`) is derived from the noun synergos (συνεργός, `{{G4904}}`), meaning "fellow-worker" or "co-worker." The prefix "συν-" (syn-) denotes "with" or "together," while the root "ἔργον" (ergon) signifies "work" or "deed." Therefore, the core meaning of synergéō is "to work together with," "to cooperate," or "to be a fellow-worker." Its semantic range encompasses active participation, shared effort, and a common goal. It implies a collaborative endeavor where multiple parties contribute to a single outcome, often with a sense of mutual assistance or partnership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb synergéō appears four times in the New Testament, each revealing a distinct yet related aspect of cooperation:
* **[[Romans 8:28]]:** "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (καὶ οἴδαμεν ὅτι τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν τὸν θεὸν πάντα συνεργεῖ εἰς ἀγαθόν). Here, synergéō describes God's active role. While some textual traditions or interpretations might suggest "all things" as the subject, the dominant understanding, supported by theological context, identifies God as the primary agent who "works together" or "causes all things to work together" for the ultimate good of believers. This highlights divine providence and God's benevolent orchestration of circumstances.
* **[[1 Corinthians 16:16]]:** "...that you also be in subjection to such as these, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors." (ὑποτάσσησθε τοῖς τοιούτοις καὶ παντὶ τῷ συνεργοῦντι καὶ κοπιῶντι). In this context, Paul encourages submission to those who are actively "working together" and laboring in the Lord's service. The participle τῷ συνεργοῦντι refers to human co-laborers, emphasizing their diligent and cooperative efforts in ministry.
* **[[2 Corinthians 6:1]]:** "As God's fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain." (Συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς). Here, Paul uses the participial form συνεργοῦντες to describe himself and his colleagues as "working together with" God. This verse underscores the concept of a divine-human partnership in the proclamation of the Gospel and the reception of grace. It's a call to responsible stewardship of God's unmerited favor.
* **[[James 2:22]]:** "You see that faith was working with his works, and by works faith was made perfect." (Βλέπεις ὅτι ἡ πίστις συνήργει τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἔργων ἡ πίστις ἐτελειώθη). James employs synergéō to explain the dynamic relationship between faith and works in Abraham's life. He states that Abraham's faith "worked together with" his actions (specifically, offering Isaac). This signifies that genuine faith is not passive but actively expresses itself through obedience, and that works bring faith to its intended completion or maturity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4904}}` synergos (συνεργός):** The noun from which synergéō is derived. It means "fellow-worker" or "co-worker" and is frequently used by Paul to describe his associates in ministry (e.g., Timothy, Titus, Priscilla and Aquila). The verb synergéō describes the *action* of being a synergos.
* **`{{G4862}}` syn (σύν):** The common Greek preposition "with" or "together," which forms the prefix of synergéō and synergos. Its presence consistently highlights association, partnership, and joint action.
* **`{{G2038}}` ergazomai (ἐργάζομαι):** The more general verb "to work," "to labor," or "to perform." synergéō adds the nuance of "working *together*."
* **Cooperation and Partnership:** These English terms capture the essence of synergéō. In a biblical context, this often refers to cooperation between God and humanity, or between believers in shared service.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** Particularly evident in [[Romans 8:28]], synergéō touches upon God's active and purposeful involvement in the world and in the lives of His people.
* **Faith and Works:** The usage in [[James 2:22]] is central to understanding the integral and complementary relationship between inward conviction and outward expression in Christian living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of synergéō is multifaceted:
* **God's Active Benevolence:** In [[Romans 8:28]], synergéō presents a powerful affirmation of God's ceaseless and benevolent activity on behalf of His beloved. It assures believers that even in suffering or adversity, God is not passive but actively orchestrating all circumstances to conform them to the image of Christ. This underscores divine faithfulness and redemptive purpose.
* **Divine-Human Partnership in Ministry:** [[2 Corinthians 6:1]] profoundly reveals the privilege and responsibility of believers to be "fellow workers with God." This concept highlights that while salvation is entirely by grace, God invites and empowers humanity to participate in His ongoing mission in the world. It’s a dynamic partnership where human effort, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, contributes to the advancement of God's kingdom. This guards against both fatalism and humanistic self-reliance.
* **The Interconnectedness of Faith and Action:** James's use of synergéō in [[James 2:22]] is crucial for understanding the nature of genuine faith. It teaches that true faith is not a mere intellectual assent but a living, active principle that "works together with" and expresses itself through obedient deeds. Faith and works are not contradictory but complementary, each perfecting the other. Abraham's faith was made complete by his act of obedience, demonstrating that a faith that does not lead to action is inert.
* **Call to Unity and Collaboration:** Implicit in the concept of "working together" is the call for unity and mutual support among believers. The Church is envisioned as a body where members synergéō for the common good and the fulfillment of the Great Commission, reflecting the collaborative spirit evident among Paul's co-laborers.
### Summary
The Greek verb synergéō (`{{G4903}}`) means "to work together with," "to cooperate," or "to be a fellow-worker." Its New Testament usage illuminates several core theological truths. In [[Romans 8:28]], it underscores God's active and benevolent providence, orchestrating all things for the good of His people. [[2 Corinthians 6:1]] portrays believers as "fellow workers with God," emphasizing the divine-human partnership in ministry and the responsible stewardship of grace. [[1 Corinthians 16:16]] highlights the importance of human cooperation and labor in Christian service. Most significantly, [[James 2:22]] employs synergéō to articulate the essential unity and dynamic interplay between faith and works, demonstrating that genuine faith is active and finds its perfection in obedience. Thus, synergéō encapsulates the profound concepts of divine providence, collaborative ministry, and the living, active nature of faith.
TRV