Brief Overview of συμβαίνω (Strong’s G4819: symbainō)

Strong’s G4819: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βαίνω (to go or come), meaning “to happen, occur, or come together.” In New Testament usage, it often describes events that occur according to divine purpose or prophecy, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over circumstances.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συμβαίνω represents the convergence of events or circumstances, often with theological significance. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with movement or occurrence. In Mark 10:32, it relates to the events that would befall Jesus in Jerusalem. Early church fathers used this term to emphasize divine providence in historical events. Today, it reminds us that circumstances don’t merely happen but converge according to God’s sovereign purpose.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμβαίνω, symbainō, /soom-BAY-no/
• Pronunciation: soom-BAY-no (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• βαίνω (bainō): verb meaning “to go or come”
• The combination suggests events coming together

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To happen or occur
2. To befall or come upon
3. To come together (of events)
4. To turn out or result

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates convergence
• βαίνω (bainō): implies movement or occurrence
  Together they express the idea of events converging or occurring

Translation Options:

1. “Happen” – Emphasizes occurrence
2. “Befall” – Highlights what comes upon someone
3. “Come to pass” – Captures providential aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γίνομαι (ginomai) /GIN-oh-my/ – focuses on coming into being. See G1096
• τυγχάνω (tynchanō) /toon-KHAN-oh/ – emphasizes chance occurrences. See G5177
• ἐκβαίνω (ekbainō) /ek-BAY-no/ – stresses outcome or result. See G1535

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present: συμβαίνει – it happens
• Future: συμβήσεται – it will happen
• Aorist: συνέβη – it happened

Cross-references:

• Noun: σύμβασις (symbasis)
• Participle: συμβαίνων (symbainōn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing providential events. Thayer’s notes its meaning of things coming together. LSJ provides examples from classical literature. Vine’s highlights its use in prophetic contexts. Strong’s connects it to concurrent events. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in Koine Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 10:32 “And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was about to [happen] {συμβαίνω} to him.”

Additional References:
Acts 3:10
Acts 20:19
Acts 21:35
1 Corinthians 10:11
1 Peter 4:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συμβαίνω reveals God’s sovereign hand in events that appear random or tragic. It promotes the good news by showing that even the sufferings of the Messiah were part of God’s divine plan. This encourages believers to trust in God’s providence, knowing that all things work together for His purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word frequently appears in ancient Greek historical writings about destiny.
2. Early Christian historians used it to describe martyrdom events.
3. It appears in Greek philosophical works discussing causation and divine providence.

Strong’s G4819: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βαίνω (to go or come), meaning “to happen, occur, or come together.” In New Testament usage, it often describes events that occur according to divine purpose or prophecy, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over circumstances.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: events, providence, divine-purpose, prophecy, occurrence, circumstances, sovereignty, mark, acts, divine-plan, god’s-will, predestination​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​