from σύν and ὠδίνω; to have (parturition) pangs in company (concert, simultaneously) with, i.e. (figuratively) to sympathize (in expectation of relief from suffering):--travail in pain together.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4944 (συνωδίνω, *synōdínō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (*syn*), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb ὠδίνω (*ōdinō*, `{{G5605}}`), meaning "to have birth pangs," "to travail," or "to suffer the pains of childbirth." Therefore, the literal and core meaning of G4944 is "to have birth pangs together" or "to travail in pain together."
Semantically, this word carries the vivid imagery of a shared, intense, and purposeful suffering. It is not merely pain, but the specific agony associated with bringing forth new life. The "togetherness" aspect, emphasized by σύν, implies a collective or universal experience of this travail. Figuratively, it extends to a deep, empathetic groaning or sympathy in anticipation of a significant, liberating outcome, much like the expectation of a birth after labor. This concept of shared, anticipatory suffering is crucial to its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G4944 (συνωδίνω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 8:22]]**: "For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now."
In this profound passage, Paul describes the present state of the created order. The "whole creation" (πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις, `{{G2937}}`) is depicted as being subjected to futility, not by its own will, but by God's design, in hope of liberation ([[Romans 8:20-21]]). The use of συνωδίνω here is deeply significant. It portrays creation not as passively enduring, but actively experiencing the excruciating, yet purposeful, pains of childbirth. The "together" aspect (σύν) underscores the universal and collective nature of this suffering; the entire cosmos is united in this groaning.
This groaning is not one of despair, but one of eager anticipation. Just as birth pangs precede the joy of new life, the suffering of creation is presented as a prelude to its glorious redemption and the revelation of the sons of God ([[Romans 8:19]]). The phrase "until now" (ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν) indicates an ongoing process that will culminate in a future event. Paul extends the metaphor of human childbirth to the cosmic realm, suggesting that the current suffering of creation is a necessary part of God's redemptive plan, leading to a new, redeemed existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words and theological concepts illuminate the meaning of G4944:
* **ὠδίνω (`{{G5605}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to have birth pangs." This highlights the specific nature of the pain as labor pain, distinct from general suffering.
* **στενάζω (`{{G4727}}`)**: "To groan," "to sigh." This word is used in [[Romans 8:23]] to describe the groaning of believers who also await the redemption of their bodies. The shared nature of groaning (creation, believers, and even the Spirit in [[Romans 8:26]]) underscores a profound unity in longing.
* **ἀποκαραδοκία (`{{G603}}`)**: "Eager expectation," "earnest longing." Used in [[Romans 8:19]] to describe creation's intense anticipation for the revelation of God's children. This emphasizes the forward-looking, hopeful nature of the "travailing."
* **κτίσις (`{{G2937}}`)**: "Creation." This term is central to the context of [[Romans 8:19-22]], emphasizing the cosmic scope of God's redemptive work.
* **ἀπολύτρωσις (`{{G629}}`)**: "Redemption," "liberation." This is the ultimate goal towards which creation and believers are groaning.
* **"Birth Pangs of the Messiah"**: This is a concept found in Jewish apocalyptic literature (e.g., Mark 13:8, Matthew 24:8, where ὠδίν is used in the plural, ὠδῖνες, for "birth pains" as signs of the end times). It refers to the period of intense tribulation and suffering that would precede the coming of the Messiah and the Messianic age. Paul's use of συνωδίνω aligns with this imagery, portraying the present age as a period of necessary suffering leading to the glorious new creation.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of G4944 in [[Romans 8:22]] carries immense theological weight:
1. **Cosmic Scope of the Fall and Redemption**: The word highlights that the consequences of the Fall ([[Genesis 3:17-19]]) extend beyond humanity to encompass the entire created order. Likewise, God's plan of redemption is not limited to humanity but includes the liberation and renewal of the cosmos itself.
2. **Purposeful Suffering**: The imagery of "birth pangs" transforms suffering from a meaningless affliction into a purposeful process. It suggests that the current brokenness and pain in creation are not terminal but are part of a divine plan leading to a glorious new birth. This offers profound hope amidst present trials.
3. **Solidarity in Suffering and Hope**: The "together" aspect of συνωδίνω underscores a deep solidarity. Creation, humanity, and even the Holy Spirit ([[Romans 8:26]]) are united in a shared experience of groaning and longing for ultimate redemption. This fosters a sense of unity and shared destiny within God's grand narrative.
4. **Eschatological Hope**: G4944 points powerfully to the future. The groaning is an anticipation of the eschatological new creation, where all things will be made new ([[Revelation 21:1-5]]). It reassures believers that the present suffering is temporary and serves as a prelude to the full realization of God's kingdom.
5. **Divine Sovereignty**: Even in its suffering, creation is depicted as being under God's sovereign hand, subjected to futility "in hope" ([[Romans 8:20]]). This implies that God orchestrates even the pain for a redemptive purpose.
### Summary
The Greek word G4944 (συνωδίνω, *synōdínō*), meaning "to travail in pain together," offers a profound and evocative image in [[Romans 8:22]]. It vividly portrays the entire created order as experiencing collective, intense, and purposeful "birth pangs." This suffering is not a sign of despair but a deeply significant prelude to the glorious new creation. συνωδίνω underscores the cosmic scope of both the Fall and God's redemptive plan, emphasizing the universal longing for liberation from futility. It highlights a profound solidarity in suffering and hope, uniting creation, believers, and the Holy Spirit in eager anticipation of God's ultimate act of renewal. This word serves as a powerful reminder that present tribulation is a temporary, necessary stage leading to the joyous birth of a redeemed and glorified cosmos.
TRV