### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4939 σύντροφος (sýntrophos) is a compound term derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and τροφός (trophos), which can denote either "one who nourishes" (a nurse) or, in a passive sense, "one who is nourished" or "brought up." The base definition clarifies that G4939 employs τροφός in its passive sense, leading to the literal meaning of "a fellow-nursling" or "one brought up with." This implies a profound, intimate bond, often formed from childhood, such as sharing a wet nurse, being raised in the same household, or receiving education together. The semantic range extends from this literal sense to encompass a "comrade" or "close companion," emphasizing a relationship characterized by shared formative experiences and deep familiarity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4939 σύντροφος appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 13:1]]: "Now there were in Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul."
In this singular occurrence, Manaen is identified as σύντροφος of Herod the tetrarch. This detail is highly significant. It suggests that Manaen shared a deep, personal history with Herod, likely from their early years. This could mean they were educated together, grew up in the same royal household, or even shared a wet nurse, as the literal meaning implies. Such a relationship would have afforded Manaen a unique insight into the inner workings of Herod's court and potentially a high social standing before his conversion. The mention of this specific detail underscores the diverse backgrounds of the early church leaders, including those with close ties to powerful, secular rulers. It serves to highlight the transformative power of the Gospel that could draw an individual from such a privileged and politically charged environment into the service of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of G4939 σύντροφος connects it to several key concepts:
* **σύν (syn):** This ubiquitous Greek prefix (e.g., `{{G4862}}`) denotes association, unity, or shared action. Its presence in σύντροφος emphasizes the "togetherness" of the upbringing.
* **τροφός (trophos):** Derived from τρέφω (trephō, `{{G5142}}`), meaning "to nourish" or "bring up," τροφός relates to the act of nurturing and rearing. When used passively in σύντροφος, it highlights the shared experience of being nurtured.
* **τρέφω (trephō, `{{G5142}}`):** The verb form, used for physical nourishment or the raising of children (e.g., [[Luke 4:16]], [[Acts 7:21]]).
* **Concepts of Relationship and Community:** While σύντροφος specifically refers to a shared upbringing, it resonates with broader biblical concepts of companionship, brotherhood, and familial bonds. It differs from terms like ἀδελφός (adelphos, `{{G80}}`, brother by blood or faith) or συνεργός (synergos, `{{G4904}}`, fellow worker), as its primary emphasis is on a shared formative past rather than current familial ties or shared labor. The deep intimacy implied by σύντροφος suggests a bond akin to family, even if not by blood.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of Manaen as G4939 σύντροφος of Herod in [[Acts 13:1]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Inclusivity:** It illustrates God's sovereign call extending to individuals from all strata of society, even those with intimate connections to worldly power and potentially corrupt regimes. Manaen's background demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of the Gospel's transformative power, and God can use anyone for His purposes.
2. **Transformation and New Identity:** Manaen's journey from a σύντροφος of Herod to a prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch powerfully highlights the radical transformation wrought by faith in Christ. His past identity, deeply intertwined with a secular ruler, is superseded by his new identity in Christ and his role within the spiritual community.
3. **The Church as a New Family:** While σύντροφος describes a past, non-Christian relationship for Manaen, the underlying concept of being "brought up together" resonates with the nature of the Christian community. Believers are spiritually "brought up" or nurtured together in the faith, sharing a common spiritual food (the Word of God) and growing together in Christ. In a spiritual sense, the church forms a new family where individuals are united by a shared spiritual birth and ongoing nourishment.
### Summary
G4939 σύντροφος signifies a "fellow-nursling" or "one brought up with," denoting a deep and intimate bond formed through shared early life experiences. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 13:1]] identifies Manaen as having been σύντροφος to Herod the tetrarch, indicating a close relationship likely from childhood within Herod's household. This detail underscores the diverse backgrounds of early church leaders and the Gospel's transformative power, drawing individuals even from positions of worldly connection into dedicated service to Christ. Theologically, it highlights God's inclusive call and the radical new identity found in Christ, while implicitly resonating with the concept of the church as a spiritual family where believers are nurtured and grow together.
TRV