### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word σύσσωμος (transliterated as *sýssōmos*, `{{G4954}}`) is a compound adjective derived from the preposition σύν (*syn*, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the noun σῶμα (*sōma*, `{{G4983}}`), meaning "body." Its literal sense is "of the same body" or "joint-bodied." This etymology immediately conveys a profound sense of organic unity and shared physical essence. In its theological application, as found in the New Testament, it moves beyond a mere physical description to denote a spiritual and corporate reality. The term signifies being an integral, co-equal, and inseparable part of a single, unified organism, specifically the body of Christ, the Church. Its semantic range is thus tightly focused on the concept of co-membership and inherent unity within a singular, divinely constituted entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, found in Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant and central to Paul's revelation of the "mystery" of Christ:
* **Ephesians 3:6**: "that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel." [[Ephesians 3:6]]
In this pivotal verse, Paul articulates the astounding truth that the Gentiles, once alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise (cf. [[Ephesians 2:12]]), are now, through the gospel, fully integrated into the people of God. The term σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) stands alongside two other compound words employing the σύν- prefix: συγκληρονόμος (*synklēronomos*, `{{G4789}}`, "fellow heirs") and συμμετοχος (*symmetochos*, `{{G4791}}`, "fellow partakers"). This triad of "fellow" terms underscores the comprehensive nature of Gentile inclusion. Being "of the same body" is not merely about sharing an inheritance or participating in a promise; it speaks to an organic, vital union where Jewish and Gentile believers constitute one unified organism, with Christ as the head. This verse is the culmination of Paul's preceding argument in Ephesians 2, where he describes Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" ([[Ephesians 2:14]]) and creating "one new man" out of the two (Jew and Gentile) ([[Ephesians 2:15]]). The term σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) powerfully encapsulates this radical, unified identity within the Church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) is deeply intertwined with several key Pauline theological concepts and related Greek terms:
* **σῶμα (`{{G4983}}`)**: The primary root, "body," is foundational. Paul frequently uses "the body of Christ" as a metaphor for the Church, emphasizing its organic unity, diversity of members, and Christ's headship (e.g., [[Romans 12:4-5]], [[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]], [[Colossians 1:18]]). σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) specifies the nature of membership within this body.
* **σύν (`{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix "with" or "together" is crucial. It highlights co-participation, co-existence, and co-identity. Other "σύν-" compounds in Ephesians 3:6 like συγκληρονόμος (`{{G4789}}`, "fellow-heir") and συμμετοχος (`{{G4791}}`, "fellow-partaker") reinforce the comprehensive inclusion.
* **Unity (ἑνότης, *henotēs*, `{{G1773}}`)**: The concept of unity is central to Ephesians (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:3]], [[Ephesians 4:13]]). σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) describes the *nature* of this unity—it is an organic, embodied unity, not merely an alliance.
* **Reconciliation (καταλλαγή, *katallagē*, `{{G2643}}`)**: The reconciliation of Jew and Gentile in Christ (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:16]]) is the historical and theological backdrop for the Church being "of the same body."
* **The Mystery (μυστήριον, *mystērion*, `{{G3466}}`)**: Paul identifies the inclusion of Gentiles as co-equals in the body of Christ as the "mystery" now revealed (e.g., [[Ephesians 3:3-5]]). σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) is a key descriptor of this revealed truth.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of σύσσωμος (`{{G4954}}`) in Ephesians 3:6 carries immense theological weight, particularly regarding the nature of the Church and the scope of God's redemptive plan:
1. **Organic Unity of the Church**: It powerfully asserts that the Church is not merely an assembly of individuals or a federation of diverse groups, but a single, living organism, the body of Christ. This organic unity transcends all human-made divisions, particularly the ancient and deeply entrenched ethnic barrier between Jew and Gentile.
2. **Radical Inclusion of Gentiles**: The term emphasizes the full and unreserved incorporation of Gentiles into God's covenant people. They are not second-class citizens or a separate annex, but fully integrated members, sharing the same spiritual DNA, life, and destiny as Jewish believers. This challenges any notion of a two-tiered or ethnically divided Church.
3. **Christ as the Unifying Head**: While not explicitly stated in the word itself, the concept of being "of the same body" inherently points to a common Head, Jesus Christ. It is in Him that both Jew and Gentile are united and find their identity as one new humanity.
4. **Divine Work of Reconciliation**: The existence of a "joint body" is not a human achievement but a divine work, a revealed mystery of God's grace. It signifies the ultimate triumph of Christ's cross over all forms of hostility and division, creating a new corporate identity in Him.
5. **Implications for Ecclesiology**: This word underscores the Church's essential unity and the mutual dependence of all its members. It calls believers to live out this reality, recognizing their shared identity and common purpose in Christ, fostering fellowship and dismantling any lingering barriers.
### Summary
The Greek word σύσσωμος (*sýssōmos*, `{{G4954}}`), meaning "of the same body" or "joint-bodied," is a potent theological term found exclusively in [[Ephesians 3:6]]. Its singular occurrence is strategically placed to articulate a foundational truth about the Church: that Gentiles are not merely included *among* God's people but are fully integrated, co-equal members of the very *same* spiritual organism as Jewish believers. Derived from σύν (`{{G4862}}`, "with") and σῶμα (`{{G4983}}`, "body"), it underscores the organic, unified nature of the Church as the body of Christ, transcending all ethnic and social divisions. This word encapsulates the radical nature of God's revealed mystery, highlighting His work of reconciliation in forming one new humanity in Christ, where all believers share a common life, inheritance, and promise. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Church's profound unity and the divine imperative for its members to live in harmony as integral parts of the one body.
TRV