### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συνομορέω (synomoréō), Strong's `{{G4927}}`, is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and a derivative related to ὅριον (horion), Strong's `{{G3725}}`, meaning "boundary" or "border." The core meaning is therefore "to border together," "to share a common boundary," or "to adjoin." It describes a state of physical contiguity, where two entities are immediately adjacent to one another. Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily denoting physical proximity or immediate neighborhood. There is no evidence in the New Testament of a broader metaphorical or abstract use; it functions strictly as a descriptive term for spatial relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συνομορέω `{{G4927}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 18:7]]. This singular occurrence makes its contextual analysis paramount for understanding its significance.
In [[Acts 18:7]], the text states concerning Paul's ministry in Corinth: "And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was συνομορέω τῇ συναγωγῇ (synomoréō tē synagōgē)." This phrase is variously translated as "joined hard to the synagogue" (KJV), "next door to the synagogue" (ESV, NASB, NIV), or "adjoining the synagogue."
The context is Paul's departure from the synagogue in Corinth after facing significant opposition and blasphemy from some of the Jews. He declares, "From now on I will go to the Gentiles" ([[Acts 18:6]]). Immediately following this declaration, he moves his base of operations to the house of Titius Justus. The detail that Justus's house "adjoined" or was "next door" to the synagogue is highly significant:
1. **Strategic Proximity:** Despite Paul's declaration to turn to the Gentiles, the physical proximity of his new teaching location to the synagogue suggests a continued, albeit altered, engagement with the Jewish community. Those who frequented the synagogue, or who were curious but hesitant to fully separate, would be in immediate earshot or sight of Paul's new ministry.
2. **Symbolic Continuity and Disruption:** The house of Titius Justus, a Gentile "God-fearer," becoming the new center for Paul's teaching right next to the synagogue, symbolizes both a continuity (the gospel still "borders" its Jewish roots) and a decisive disruption (the new community is distinct and separate from the established institution). It highlights the transition of God's redemptive work from the exclusive confines of the synagogue to a more open, inclusive setting.
3. **Accessibility for Outreach:** The location might have been chosen to maximize accessibility for both Jews and Gentiles who were already familiar with or drawn to the synagogue, providing an immediate alternative or extension of spiritual inquiry.
Thus, while συνομορέω is a simple descriptive verb, its single use in [[Acts 18:7]] provides a crucial geographical detail that illuminates Paul's adaptive missionary strategy and the dynamic nature of the early church's expansion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words to συνομορέω `{{G4927}}` are its constituent parts:
* σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`: A common Greek preposition meaning "with," "together with," or "in company with." It emphasizes the joint or collective aspect inherent in συνομορέω.
* ὅριον (horion) `{{G3725}}`: A noun meaning "a boundary," "border," or "limit." This is the direct root for the "bordering" aspect of the verb.
Other related concepts include:
* **Proximity and Adjacency:** Words like ἐγγύς (engys) `{{G1451}}` ("near") or πλησίον (plēsion) `{{G4139}}` ("near," "neighbor") convey a general sense of closeness, though συνομορέω specifies a shared boundary.
* **Geographical Description:** The word falls into a category of terms used to describe physical locations and relationships, essential for understanding the narrative flow of Acts.
* **Strategic Location:** The concept of choosing a specific place for ministry, often with evangelistic intent, is a broader theme exemplified by this precise geographical detail.
### Theological Significance
While συνομορέω `{{G4927}}` is a descriptive term for physical location, its sole appearance in [[Acts 18:7]] carries implicit theological significance for understanding the early Christian mission:
1. **Divine Providence in Ministry Location:** The precise detail that Justus's house "adjoined" the synagogue suggests more than mere happenstance. It can be seen as an example of divine guidance in Paul's strategic decision-making, positioning the nascent Christian community in a place that maximized its reach and visibility.
2. **Continuity and Discontinuity in Salvation History:** The gospel, though now preached outside the synagogue and increasingly to Gentiles, was not entirely severed from its Jewish roots. The physical adjacency symbolizes a theological truth: the new covenant fulfills, rather than abolishes, the old. Yet, the distinct location also marks a clear break from the institutional resistance of the synagogue, signifying the expansion of God's people beyond ethnic or religious boundaries.
3. **The Nature of Evangelism:** Paul's move demonstrates a pragmatic and adaptive approach to evangelism. When one door closed, another, strategically located, opened. It underscores the principle of meeting people where they are, even if it means establishing a new presence right on the "border" of existing communities. This highlights the boldness and flexibility required for gospel proclamation.
4. **The Church as a "Neighbor":** The new Christian community, embodied by the believers gathering in Justus's house, became a "neighbor" to the established Jewish community. This physical relationship can be seen as a metaphor for the church's ongoing call to live out its faith in close proximity to the world, offering an alternative while remaining accessible.
### Summary
The Greek verb συνομορέω (synomoréō), Strong's `{{G4927}}`, literally means "to border together" or "to adjoin." Its singular occurrence in [[Acts 18:7]] describes the house of Titius Justus as being "next door" or "adjoining" the synagogue in Corinth, where Paul moved his teaching ministry. This precise geographical detail is not merely incidental but profoundly significant. It highlights Paul's strategic adaptation in the face of opposition, positioning the new Christian community in immediate proximity to the established Jewish center. Theologically, this adjacency symbolizes both the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the decisive transition of the gospel's focus beyond the synagogue to a broader, more inclusive audience. It underscores the divine providence guiding the early church's missionary efforts and the practical wisdom employed in establishing the Christian presence right on the "border" of existing religious structures.
TRV