### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4916}}` *syntháptō* is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G4862}}` *syn* (meaning "with" or "together") and the verb `{{G2290}}` *tháptō* (meaning "to bury" or "to inter"). Literally, it signifies "to bury together with" or "to inter in company with." In its biblical usage, however, `{{G4916}}` is employed exclusively in a profound figurative sense. It denotes a spiritual assimilation or identification with Christ's burial, specifically implying a decisive separation from the old life dominated by sin. This metaphorical burial signifies a definitive end to the believer's former way of life, much as a physical burial marks the end of a physical life. The emphasis is on the shared experience and union with Christ in His death and subsequent burial.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4916}}` *syntháptō* appears twice in the New Testament, both instances being in the Pauline epistles and both directly linked to the theological significance of baptism:
* **[[Romans 6:4]]**: "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
* In this pivotal passage, Paul explains the spiritual reality behind Christian baptism. The act of being "buried with Him" (συνετάφημεν αὐτῷ – *synetáphēmen autō*) through baptism signifies a believer's participation in Christ's death. It is not merely a symbolic act but an identification with the finality of Christ's burial, which serves as the definitive end of the believer's old self, enslaved to sin. This burial is the necessary precursor to walking in "newness of life," paralleling Christ's resurrection. The past tense verb indicates a completed, decisive act that occurred at conversion and baptism.
* **[[Colossians 2:12]]**: "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead."
* Similar to Romans, this verse reinforces the spiritual reality of baptism. To be "buried with Him" (συνταφέντες αὐτῷ – *syntaphéntes autō*) in baptism means that the believer has undergone a spiritual death to the powers and principles of the world, specifically through identification with Christ's death and burial. This act is intrinsically linked to being "raised with Him" (συνηγέρθητε – *synēgérthēte*) through faith in God's power. The context in Colossians emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and warns against human regulations, contrasting them with the radical transformation that occurs through union with Christ.
In both contexts, `{{G4916}}` describes a past, completed spiritual event that forms the foundation for present Christian living. It marks a decisive break from the dominion of sin and the world, made possible by the believer's union with Christ's death and burial.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G4916}}` is enriched by its relationship to several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G4862}}` *syn* (with/together):** The prefix syn- is foundational, emphasizing the participatory and united nature of the believer's experience with Christ. Other syn- compounds in the New Testament further illustrate this union, such as `{{G4954}}` *synestauroomai* (to be crucified with), `{{G4887}}` *syzōopoieō* (to make alive together with), and `{{G4957}}` *synkathizō* (to sit together with). These verbs collectively paint a picture of the believer's comprehensive identification with Christ in His saving acts.
* **`{{G2290}}` *tháptō* (to bury):** This root verb denotes the literal act of burial. Its presence in `{{G4916}}` grounds the spiritual metaphor in the tangible reality of death and interment, signifying finality and separation.
* **`{{G907}}` *baptizō* (to baptize):** As seen in both occurrences, `{{G4916}}` is inextricably linked to baptism. Baptism is presented not merely as a symbol but as the outward sign and spiritual enactment of this burial with Christ, signifying death to sin and resurrection to new life.
* **Death to Sin:** This is a core Pauline theological concept (e.g., [[Romans 6:2]], [[Romans 6:7]], [[Romans 6:11]]). The spiritual burial with Christ is the means by which the believer dies to the power and reign of sin, breaking its mastery.
* **Newness of Life:** The ultimate outcome of being buried with Christ and raised with Him is a transformed existence characterized by obedience to God and freedom from sin's dominion ([[Romans 6:4]]).
* **Crucifixion with Christ:** The concept of being "crucified with Christ" (`{{G4954}}` *synestauroomai*) in [[Romans 6:6]] is a parallel and preceding event to being "buried with Christ." Crucifixion represents the death of the old self, and burial signifies its final disposition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4916}}` *syntháptō* is profound, touching upon several core doctrines of Christian faith:
* **Union with Christ (Unio Mystica):** `{{G4916}}` powerfully articulates the believer's deep, mystical union with Christ. It underscores that salvation is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative participation in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Believers are not just forgiven, but their very identity and destiny are bound up with His.
* **The Efficacy of Christ's Death:** The believer's death to sin is not achieved through personal effort or asceticism but through identification with Christ's finished work on the cross and His subsequent burial. His death is inherently effective for our sin, providing the basis for our liberation.
* **Baptismal Theology:** `{{G4916}}` elevates baptism beyond a mere ritual or public declaration. It is presented as the moment, or at least the visible sign and spiritual reality, where the believer is decisively identified with Christ's death and burial. It signifies a definitive break from the old life and an entrance into a new existence in Christ.
* **Sanctification and Ethical Living:** The spiritual burial with Christ provides the theological foundation for the believer's ongoing sanctification. Because the old self has been decisively dealt with through union with Christ, believers are now called to "walk in newness of life" ([[Romans 6:4]]) and to reckon themselves "dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([[Romans 6:11]]). This past, definitive act empowers present and future obedience and freedom from sin's mastery.
* **Identity in Christ:** Being "buried with Christ" means that the believer's former identity, defined by sin and the flesh, has been laid to rest. Their new identity is now rooted in Christ, marked by His resurrection life and their participation in His victory over sin and death.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G4916}}` *syntháptō* fundamentally means "to bury together with." In its New Testament usage, it carries a profound theological meaning, describing the believer's spiritual assimilation and identification with Christ's burial. Occurring in [[Romans 6:4]] and [[Colossians 2:12]], it is directly linked to Christian baptism, signifying a decisive break from the dominion of sin and the old life. This spiritual burial is not a mere symbol but a deep reality of the believer's union with Christ, where their old self is put to death, allowing them to be raised to "newness of life." `{{G4916}}` underscores the efficacy of Christ's finished work, the transformative power of baptism, and the foundational basis for the believer's ongoing sanctification and new identity in Him. It is a powerful articulation of the believer's complete participation in the saving acts of Christ.
TRV