Brief Overview of σύμφυτος (Strong’s G4854: symphytos)

Strong’s G4854: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and φύω (to grow), meaning “grown together with, united by growth.” Used theologically to describe believers’ profound union with the Messiah in His death and resurrection, emphasizing organic, living connection.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύμφυτος represents the deep concept of organic unity through shared growth. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with growing (φύω) to express intimate union through shared life. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe believers’ union with the Messiah in His death and resurrection, portraying salvation as an organic joining with His life. The early church saw this term as crucial for understanding the believer’s mystical union with the Messiah. Today, it continues to express the profound reality of our spiritual incorporation into the Messiah’s death and resurrection life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύμφυτος, symphytos, /soom-foo-tos/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – FOO (stressed) – tos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: φύω (phyo) meaning “to grow, produce”
• Verbal adjective suffix: -τος (-tos)
• Base meaning: “grown together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• United by growth
• Grown together with
• Organically joined

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates shared condition
The root φύω contributes the concept of growth
The suffix -τος indicates completed state
Together they express organic unity through growth

Translation Options:

1. United with – Emphasizes the joining aspect
2. Grown together – Stresses the organic nature
3. Vitally connected – Captures the living union

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμφύομαι (symphyomai) /soom-foo-om-ahee/ – to grow together – See G4855
• ἐμφυτεύω (emphyteuo) /em-foo-tyoo-o/ – to implant – See G1714
• σύμμορφος (symmorphos) /soom-mor-fos/ – conformed to – See G4832

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:
Masculine: σύμφυτος (united)
Feminine: σύμφυτη (united)
Neuter: σύμφυτον (united)
Plural adds appropriate endings

• Cross-references include the verb συμφύω (to grow together) and φυτεία (planting)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing mystical union with the Messiah. Thayer’s highlights the organic nature of the unity. LSJ notes its use in botanical contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual incorporation. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the union. Moulton and Milligan document its use in agricultural settings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

For if we have been [σύμφυτος] united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection Romans 6:5

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύμφυτος beautifully captures the organic nature of our union with the Messiah. It proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, we are not merely associated with Him but vitally joined to His death and resurrection life. This word reminds us that salvation is not just legal but a living union with the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. This agricultural term was adapted for profound theological use.
2. It appears at a crucial point in Paul’s discussion of baptism and union with the Messiah.
3. Early church writers used this term to combat merely external views of Christianity.

Strong’s G4854: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and φύω (to grow), meaning “grown together with, united by growth.” Used theologically to describe believers’ profound union with the Messiah in His death and resurrection, emphasizing organic, living connection.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: union-with-christ, resurrection, baptism, spiritual-growth, mystical-union, organic-unity, salvation, incorporation, spiritual-life, death-with-christ, transformation, vital-union​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​