### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term συνοδία (synodía), Strong's number `{{G4923}}`, is a compound word derived from σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`), meaning "way" or "journey." Therefore, its core meaning is "companionship on a journey" or "traveling together." By implication, it refers to a group of people journeying as a collective, often translated as "company" or "caravan." The word emphasizes the shared nature of the travel and the collective unit formed by the travelers, implying mutual presence and a common direction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συνοδία (synodía) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 2:44]]**: "But supposing him to have been in the company (συνοδία) with them, they went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance."
This singular occurrence is found within the narrative of Jesus's family returning from Jerusalem after the Passover festival. It was customary for pilgrims to travel in large groups, or caravans, for safety, companionship, and convenience. Mary and Joseph, assuming Jesus was among the larger συνοδία of relatives and acquaintances, did not immediately realize he was missing. This verse vividly portrays the practical reality of ancient travel, where individuals were often part of a larger, communal traveling unit. The 'company' here refers to the extended family and friends who journeyed together, highlighting the social fabric and reliance on community in that era.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of συνοδία (synodía) connects it to several other significant Greek terms and concepts:
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix "syn-" is pervasive in the Greek New Testament, forming numerous compound words that denote togetherness, union, or shared action (e.g., συνέρχομαι - to come together, `{{G4905}}`; συζάω - to live together, `{{G4806}}`). Its presence in συνοδία underscores the communal aspect of the journey.
* **ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`)**: "Way," "road," "journey." This root word is fundamental, often used literally for a path or road, but also metaphorically for a way of life, a course of conduct, or even a spiritual truth (e.g., "the Way" as a designation for early Christianity).
* **ὁδίτης (hoditēs, `{{G3597}}`)**: A traveler or wayfarer.
* **πορεία (poreia, `{{G4197}}`)**: A journey or traveling.
* **συμπορεύομαι (symporeuomai, `{{G4848}}`)**: To go or journey together with someone. This verb describes the action implied by συνοδία.
* The concept of **κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`)**, "fellowship" or "communion," is deeply related, as a συνοδία inherently fosters a form of practical fellowship among its members.
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the term συνοδία (synodía) in [[Luke 2:44]] carries subtle theological weight.
1. **The Communal Nature of Faith and Life:** The setting of the Passover pilgrimage underscores the communal aspect of religious observance in Judaism. Believers did not typically journey alone but as part of a larger group. This mirrors the Christian understanding of the Church as a community (the "body of Christ") where believers journey together in faith. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in συνοδία – a company of fellow pilgrims supporting one another on the "way" (ὁδός) of Christ.
2. **The Human Experience of Jesus:** The account highlights the full humanity of Jesus, who was part of a normal family and community, traveling in a common manner. Mary and Joseph's assumption that he was "in the company" with them speaks to the natural integration of Jesus into the social structures of his time.
3. **Foreshadowing of Jesus's Unique Path:** The brief separation of Jesus from the συνοδία and his subsequent discovery in the temple, engaged in his Father's business, serves as a subtle foreshadowing. It hints at his unique identity and mission, which, while ultimately for the benefit of all humanity and leading to the formation of a new συνοδία (the Church), also involved a singular divine purpose that transcended immediate familial or communal expectations. He was "on a different journey" in a profound sense, even when physically within the company.
### Summary
The Greek word συνοδία (synodía, `{{G4923}}`) literally means "companionship on a journey" and refers to a "company" or "caravan" of people traveling together. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 2:44]] illuminates the practical reality of communal travel during ancient pilgrimages, particularly for religious festivals. Theologically, this term subtly emphasizes the communal nature of faith and the Christian life as a shared journey, where believers are called to travel together in fellowship. The momentary separation of the young Jesus from the συνοδία in Luke's narrative also serves as a poignant foreshadowing of his unique divine path and mission, distinct even from the immediate understanding of his earthly family.
TRV