from σύν and a derivative of a presumed compound of εὖ and a derivative of ἔχω (meaning to be in good condition, i.e. (by implication) to fare well, or feast); to entertain sumptuously in company with, i.e. (middle voice or passive) to revel together:--feast with.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4910 (syneuōchéō) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and εὐωχέω (euōcheō), which signifies "to fare well," "to feast sumptuously," or "to live luxuriously." The base word εὐωχέω itself combines εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and a derivative of ἔχω (echō), "to have" or "to hold." Thus, the literal sense of G4910 is "to have well together" or "to be in good condition together," which naturally extends to the meaning "to feast together" or "to revel sumptuously in company with others." The emphasis is on shared, often luxurious, feasting. In its New Testament occurrences, it is used in the middle or passive voice, highlighting the participation of the subjects in such revelry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4910 appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in a highly negative context, describing the behavior of false teachers or ungodly individuals who infiltrate the Christian community:
1. **[[2 Peter 2:13]]**: "suffering wrong as the wages of wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions while they feast with you," (ESV). Here, the KJV translates "feasting with you" for G4910. Peter condemns those who indulge in their own desires, describing them as "blots and blemishes" (σπίλοι καὶ μῶμοι). Their "feasting" (συνευωχούμενοι) is not an innocent communal meal but rather a scandalous display of their self-indulgence and hypocrisy, conducted "in their deceptions" (ἐν ταῖς ἀπάταις αὐτῶν), implying that their participation in church gatherings is a cover for their deceitful and immoral practices. The daytime revelry further emphasizes their brazenness and lack of shame.
2. **[[Jude 1:12]]**: "These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;" (ESV). Similar to Peter, Jude describes these individuals as dangerous elements within the Christian fellowship. They are present at "love feasts" (ἀγάπαις), which were early Christian communal meals combining fellowship and worship. However, their participation is characterized by feasting "without fear" (ἀφόβως), indicating a profound lack of reverence for God, for the sacred nature of the gathering, and for the community itself. They are "shepherds feeding themselves," highlighting their self-serving nature and exploitation of the flock rather than genuine care. The use of G4910 here underscores their carnal indulgence and spiritual blindness even within the context of sacred fellowship.
In both instances, G4910 is used to depict the scandalous, self-serving, and ungodly behavior of those who outwardly participate in Christian communal life but inwardly are driven by carnal desires, deceit, and a complete disregard for spiritual purity or reverence. The "feasting together" becomes a symbol of their moral corruption and their perversion of true fellowship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐωχέω (euōcheō) `{{G2165}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to fare well, to feast." G4910 adds the communal aspect ("together").
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`**: The prefix meaning "with" or "together," emphasizing the shared nature of the feasting.
* **ἀγάπη (agape) `{{G26}}`**: "Love," specifically in the context of "love feasts" (ἀγάπαι) mentioned in Jude. The ungodly "feasting with" (συνευωχούμενοι) believers at these love feasts highlights the stark contrast between their carnal behavior and the spiritual intent of Christian fellowship.
* **ἀπάτη (apatē) `{{G539}}`**: "Deceit, deception," as seen in [[2 Peter 2:13]], where the false teachers are "reveling in their deceptions," indicating that their participation in feasts is a facade for their ulterior motives.
* **Concepts**: Self-indulgence, revelry, hypocrisy, spiritual blindness, false teaching, perversion of fellowship, lack of reverence, carnal living, exploitation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4910 lies not in the act of feasting itself, which can be a positive expression of fellowship and celebration, but in the *manner* and *motive* of the feasting as described in its New Testament usage. The word serves as a potent warning against those who infiltrate the Christian community, participating in its sacred rituals and communal life (like love feasts) with impure hearts and self-serving agendas.
It highlights a critical distinction between outward participation and inward transformation. Those described as συνευωχούμενοι are physically present and engaged in communal activities, yet they are spiritually bankrupt, driven by their own appetites and deceit. Their "feasting together" is a manifestation of their carnal desires and a desecration of genuine Christian fellowship, which is meant to be characterized by ἀγάπη (love), humility, and reverence for God.
The passages in 2 Peter and Jude underscore the importance of spiritual discernment within the church. They call believers to recognize and guard against individuals who, under the guise of fellowship, sow discord, promote immorality, and exploit the community for their own gain. The "feasting without fear" in Jude is particularly poignant, revealing a profound lack of awe and respect for God's presence and the sacred nature of the body of Christ. Thus, G4910 points to the dangers of spiritual compromise and the perversion of Christian community by those who are "spots and blemishes" (2 Peter) and "hidden reefs" (Jude).
### Summary
G4910 (syneuōchéō) denotes "to feast or revel together sumptuously." Though limited to two occurrences in the New Testament (2 Peter and Jude), its usage is exceptionally significant. In both [[2 Peter 2:13]] and [[Jude 1:12]], the word consistently carries a negative connotation, describing the scandalous and self-indulgent behavior of false teachers or ungodly individuals. These individuals participate in Christian communal meals, such as "love feasts," but do so with impure motives, "in their deceptions," and "without fear," demonstrating a profound lack of reverence and a focus on their own carnal desires rather than genuine fellowship or spiritual purpose. The term thus serves as a powerful warning against those who outwardly conform to Christian practices while inwardly perverting the spirit of the community, highlighting the critical need for discernment within the church.
TRV