from a presumed compound of σύν and the base of ἔργον; a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor:--companion in labour, (fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4904 synergós (συνεργός) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the noun ἔργον (ergon), meaning "work" or "deed." Therefore, its core meaning is "one who works with another," a "fellow worker," or "co-laborer." The semantic range extends from a literal partner in a shared task to a spiritual associate in ministry. It implies a shared purpose, concerted effort, and often, shared hardship or burden in a common endeavor. The term suggests active participation and partnership rather than mere assistance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4904 synergós appears 13 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, where it illuminates the nature of early Christian ministry and community.
Paul frequently uses synergós to describe his close associates and ministerial partners:
* Timothy is called Paul's "fellow worker" in [[Romans 16:21]] and [[1 Thessalonians 3:2]]. This highlights Timothy's integral role in Paul's evangelistic and pastoral efforts.
* Prisca and Aquila are lauded as Paul's "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" in [[Romans 16:3]], underscoring their dedication and risk-taking for the Gospel.
* Urbanus is identified as "our fellow worker in Christ" in [[Romans 16:9]], indicating his contribution to the Roman church.
* Epaphroditus is described as "my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier" in [[Philippians 2:25]], emphasizing his multifaceted partnership with Paul.
* Clement and other unnamed individuals are referred to as "my fellow laborers" in [[Philippians 4:3]], acknowledging their vital support in the spread of the Gospel.
* Philemon himself is addressed as Paul's "dear friend and fellow worker" in [[Philemon 1:1]], revealing a deep personal and ministerial bond.
* In [[Philemon 1:24]], Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke are all listed as Paul's "fellow workers," illustrating the collaborative nature of Paul's ministry even during his imprisonment.
* Titus is affirmed as Paul's "partner and fellow worker" in [[2 Corinthians 8:23]], signifying his trustworthiness and shared responsibility in the collection for the saints.
Beyond human partnership, the most profound application of synergós is found in its use to describe believers' relationship with God:
* In [[1 Corinthians 3:9]], Paul declares, "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." This verse elevates human labor in ministry to a divine partnership, indicating that believers participate with God Himself in His redemptive work.
* Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 6:1]], Paul urges, "As God's fellow workers, we urge you also not to receive God's grace in vain." This reiterates the divine-human collaboration and the responsibility it entails.
The consistent use of synergós across these contexts emphasizes the mutual effort, shared commitment, and interdependence within the early Christian community, highlighting that ministry is a collective endeavor rather than an individualistic pursuit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G4904 synergós is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* ἔργον `{{G2041}}`: The root noun, meaning "work," "deed," or "task." This foundational word underscores that synergós is about active labor and accomplishment.
* συνεργέω `{{G4903}}`: The verb form, meaning "to work together," "cooperate," or "help in working." It is used in significant theological contexts, such as God causing "all things to work together for good" ([[Romans 8:28]]) and faith "working with" works ([[James 2:22]]).
* συνεργία `{{G4902}}`: The less frequent noun form, meaning "cooperation" or "working together."
* διάκονος `{{G1249}}`: "Servant" or "minister." While a synergós certainly serves, the emphasis of synergós is on active partnership and shared effort in a task, whereas diakonos emphasizes service and often implies a hierarchical relationship or specific role.
* κοινωνός `{{G2844}}`: "Partner," "sharer," or "participant." This term emphasizes shared participation, often in blessings, sufferings, or a common venture. While a synergós is a koinōnos in work, koinōnos has a broader scope of shared experience and communion.
* ἀπόστολος `{{G652}}`: "Apostle," one who is "sent." An apostle is commissioned and sent forth, while a synergós works alongside. Paul, for instance, was both an apostle and had synergói.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4904 synergós is profound, particularly in its application to the divine-human relationship:
* **Divine-Human Partnership:** The designation of believers as "God's fellow workers" ([[1 Corinthians 3:9]]; [[2 Corinthians 6:1]]) is arguably the most significant theological implication. It reveals God's gracious condescension to involve humanity in His eternal purposes, empowering and sanctifying human labor as a participation in His own work of redemption and kingdom building. This partnership implies both privilege and responsibility.
* **Collaborative Nature of Ministry:** The frequent use of synergós for Paul's human companions highlights that Christian ministry is fundamentally a collaborative enterprise. It is not meant to be a solitary endeavor but thrives on mutual support, shared gifts, and collective effort within the body of Christ. This fosters interdependence and unity.
* **Dignity of Christian Labor:** By framing believers as "fellow workers" with God, the term elevates and dignifies all forms of faithful service. Whether preaching, teaching, serving, or supporting, any labor performed in Christ is seen as a vital contribution to God's ongoing work in the world.
* **Unity in Purpose:** The concept of synergós fosters a strong sense of unity among believers, transcending individual roles or gifts. All are united by a common purpose—the advancement of the Gospel and the building up of God's kingdom—working together under the divine initiative.
* **Christocentric Focus:** The "work" of the synergós is always implicitly or explicitly "in Christ Jesus" or "for the Lord." This ensures that all collaborative efforts are centered on Christ's mission, His glory, and the extension of His reign.
### Summary
G4904 synergós denotes a "fellow worker" or "co-laborer," stemming from the Greek words for "with" and "work." Primarily used by the Apostle Paul, it describes his close ministerial partners like Timothy, Prisca and Aquila, Epaphroditus, and Titus, underscoring the collaborative and interdependent nature of early Christian ministry. Most significantly, synergós is applied to believers as "God's fellow workers" ([[1 Corinthians 3:9]]; [[2 Corinthians 6:1]]), revealing a profound theological truth: God graciously includes humanity in His redemptive work. This term highlights the dignity of Christian labor, the essential unity and cooperation within the body of Christ, and the shared purpose of advancing God's kingdom in partnership with Him.
TRV