Brief Overview of συγκάθημαι (Strong’s G4775: sugkathemai)

Strong’s G4775: A compound verb meaning “to sit down together with.” From σύν (with) and κάθημαι (to sit). Used in contexts of shared presence and community, particularly in the narrative of Peter’s denial where he sat with others in the courtyard. Implies both physical proximity and social association.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκάθημαι combines the concepts of sitting together and shared presence. In the New Testament, it appears notably in the account of Peter’s denial, where it carries deep significance in portraying his attempt to blend in with those who would soon witness his denial of the Messiah. The early church saw in this word a reminder of how physical association can reflect spiritual alignment. Today, it reminds us to be mindful of our associations and the witness they provide, while also emphasizing the importance of intentional Christian fellowship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκάθημαι, sugkathemai, /soong-kath’-ay-mahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KATH (as in “catherine”) – AY (as in “day”) – mahee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κάθημαι (kathemai) meaning “to sit”
• Combined meaning: “to sit together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To sit down together
• To associate with by sitting
• To be seated in company with others

For compound words:

• σύν adds the concept of togetherness
• κάθημαι provides the basic action of sitting
• Combined they emphasize shared presence

Translation Options:

• “To sit with” – Simple and direct translation
• “To be seated together” – Emphasizes the communal aspect
• “To associate by sitting” – Highlights the social implications

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κάθημαι (kathemai) /kath’-ay-mahee/ – to sit See G2521
• συγκαθίζω (sugkathizo) /soong-kath-id’-zo/ – to cause to sit together See G4776
• παρακαθέζομαι (parakathezomai) /par-ak-ath-ed’-zom-ahee/ – to sit beside See G3869

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Examples:

• Present: συγκάθημαι (I sit with)
• Participle: συγκαθήμενος (sitting with)
• Imperfect: συνεκαθήμην (I was sitting with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of social association. Thayer’s notes its compound nature and resultant meaning. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for formal gatherings. Vine’s highlights its significance in the Passion narrative. Strong’s connects it to fellowship contexts. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for judicial settings. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in social contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 14:54: “And Peter followed Him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with [συγκάθημαι] the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.”

Additional References:
Acts 26:30

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκάθημαι powerfully illustrates how our physical associations can reflect our spiritual allegiances. In Peter’s story, it serves as a warning about compromised fellowship, yet also points to the redemptive power of true Christian community. The good news of King Jesus calls us to intentional fellowship with believers while being mindful of our witness in all associations.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient court proceedings describing formal sessions
• It was used in educational contexts for student-teacher relationships
• Early church writers used it to describe fellowship gatherings

Strong’s G4775: A compound verb meaning “to sit down together with.” From σύν (with) and κάθημαι (to sit). Used in contexts of shared presence and community, particularly in the narrative of Peter’s denial where he sat with others in the courtyard. Implies both physical proximity and social association.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fellowship, association, community, sitting-together, social-interaction, peter’s-denial, courtyard-scene, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, passion-narrative, companionship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​