Word Study for G4904 (συνεργός)

synergós /soon-er-gos'/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom a presumed compound of σύν and the base of ἔργον

Meaninga co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor

KJV usagecompanion in labour, (fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of synergós — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word synergós, represented by G4904, means a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses. The term describes a partnership or shared work, often translated as fellow-worker, helper, or companion in labor, signifying a collaborative effort in a common mission.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G4904 consistently refers to individuals who actively participate in the work of the gospel alongside others. Paul frequently uses this term to honor his companions in ministry, such as Timothy, his "workfellow" Romans 16:21, and Priscilla and Aquila, his "helpers in Christ Jesus" Romans 16:3. The concept reaches its pinnacle in 1 Corinthians 3:9, where believers are described as "labourers together with God." The purpose of this joint effort is clearly defined as being for the "gospel of Christ" 1 Thessalonians 3:2, "unto the kingdom of God" Colossians 4:11, and as "fellowhelpers to the truth" 3 John 1:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller picture of the relationships between those engaged in spiritual work:

G80 adelphós (brother): This term signifies a deep familial or spiritual kinship. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his brother before also calling him a "companion in labour" Philippians 2:25, highlighting the personal bond that underpins their shared work.
G4961 systratiṓtēs (fellowsoldier): Describing an "associate in Christian toil," this word emphasizes the spiritual battle and shared struggle involved in the ministry. It is used alongside synergós to describe Epaphroditus Philippians 2:25, framing their labor as a joint campaign.
G2844 koinōnós (partner): This word means "a sharer, i.e. associate." Paul calls Titus his partner and fellowhelper 2 Corinthians 8:23, indicating a shared investment and participation in the ministry to the churches.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G4904 is centered on the nature of Christian service as a cooperative venture.

Partnership with God: The most profound application of the term is the declaration that believers are "labourers together with God" 1 Corinthians 3:9. This elevates Christian work from a duty performed for God to a partnership with God.
Unity in the Gospel: The term unites a diverse group of people—including Urbane Romans 16:9, Clement Philippians 4:3, and Philemon Philemon 1:1—under the common identity of being a helper in Christ's mission.
Mutual Encouragement: Those identified as fellowworkers were a source of "comfort" to Paul Colossians 4:11, demonstrating that this partnership provides essential spiritual and emotional support among believers.

Summary

In summary, G4904 is more than just a word for "helper"; it defines a core principle of Christian life and ministry. It illustrates a dynamic partnership where believers work alongside one another and with God himself. The term is applied to men and women from various backgrounds, all unified as co-laborers for the sake of the gospel, the truth, and the kingdom of God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as an adjective across 13 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Nominative Plural Masculine 5×
Accusative Singular Masculine 3×
Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
Dative Singular Masculine 1×
Genitive Plural Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 8 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Romans (3 verses); never once in the other 19.

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

Philemon

3 John

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.