### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synodía**, represented by `{{G4923}}`, describes **companionship on a journey** or, by implication, a **caravan**. It is formed from a compound of the words σύν and ὁδός. This specific term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4923}}` is found in the narrative of Jesus as a child. His parents, "supposing him to have been in the **company**," traveled for a whole day before searching for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance [[Luke 2:44]]. This context directly illustrates the word's meaning of a travelling group or caravan, emphasizing the communal nature of journeys in that era.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only biblical context help clarify the scene of travel and community:
* `{{G3598}}` **hodós** (journey, (high-)way): This word, a root of **synodía**, means "a road; by implication, a progress." It is used in the same verse to describe the distance the family traveled, "a day's **journey**" [[Luke 2:44]]. It is also used figuratively, as when Jesus calls himself "the **way**" [[John 14:6]].
* `{{G4773}}` **syngenḗs** (cousin, kin(-sfolk, -sman)): This term defines a "relative (by blood)." After realizing Jesus was missing from the company, his parents searched for him among their **kinsfolk** [[Luke 2:44]], showing the family-based nature of the traveling group.
* `{{G1110}}` **gnōstós** (acquaintance, (which may be) known, notable): Meaning "well-known," this word is used alongside **syngenḗs** to describe the wider community within the caravan. The search for Jesus extended to both family and **acquaintance** [[Luke 2:44]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G4923}}` is used only once, its context points to broader themes of journey and community:
* **The Journey of Life:** The root word **hodós** `{{G3598}}` is often used to describe the path of life. Scripture contrasts the broad **way** that leadeth to destruction with the narrow **way**, which leadeth unto life [[Matthew 7:13-14]].
* **Supposition vs. Reality:** The parents were "supposing" (**nomízō**, `{{G3543}}`) Jesus was with them [[Luke 2:44]]. This same verb is used elsewhere to warn against wrong assumptions, such as thinking that God can be represented by gold or stone [[Acts 17:29]] or that the law should be destroyed rather than fulfilled [[Matthew 5:17]].
* **Fellowship and Kinship:** The presence of **kinsfolk** `{{G4773}}` and **acquaintance** `{{G1110}}` in the **company** `{{G4923}}` underscores the importance of community. The journey was not solitary but undertaken with relatives, a concept that mirrors the spiritual call for believers to exist as "brethren" [[Romans 8:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4923}}` **synodía** provides a vivid, literal picture of a **company** on a journey. Though it appears only once, its context in [[Luke 2:44]], supported by related terms for journey, kinship, and supposition, illuminates the human reality of Jesus's childhood and provides a foundation for the broader biblical themes of life as a communal pilgrimage.
TRV