Brief Overview of συνακολουθέω (Strong’s G4870: synakoloutheō)

Strong’s G4870: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἀκολουθέω (to follow), meaning to follow together with, to accompany. In NT usage, it describes the act of following Jesus or His disciples, emphasizing committed companionship and discipleship.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνακολουθέω represents a profound concept of accompaniment and discipleship. As a compound word, it combines the idea of togetherness with following, creating a term that emphasizes intentional companionship and shared journey. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of following Jesus and His work, particularly in Mark’s Gospel where it describes those permitted to witness specific miracles. The early church understood this term as representing committed discipleship and authorized accompaniment in ministry. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian fellowship, discipleship, and the privilege of witnessing God’s work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνακολουθέω, synakoloutheō, /soon-ak-ol-oo-THEH-oh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + ak (as in ‘back’) + ol (as in ‘old’) + oo (as in ‘too’) + THEH (as in ‘they’) + oh (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō): to follow, accompany
• From κέλευθος (keleuthos): path, way

D – Defining Meanings

• To follow along with
• To accompany as a companion
• To follow together
• To join in following
• To accompany as an authorized follower

For compound words:
σύν adds the aspect of togetherness, while ἀκολουθέω brings the concept of following or accompanying, creating a word that emphasizes shared discipleship journey.

Translation Options:

1. “To follow along with” – Best captures both companionship and movement
2. “To accompany” – Emphasizes the togetherness aspect
3. “To follow together” – Highlights the shared nature of the following

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō) /ak-ol-oo-THEH-oh/ – to follow individually. See G190
• παρακολουθέω (parakoloutheō) /par-ak-ol-oo-THEH-oh/ – to follow closely, investigate. See G3877
• ἐπακολουθέω (epakoloutheō) /ep-ak-ol-oo-THEH-oh/ – to follow after. See G1872

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present), Perfective (aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνακολουθέω (I follow with)
• Aorist Active: συνηκολούθησα (I followed with)
• Present Participle: συνακολουθῶν (following with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the authorized nature of the following. Thayer’s notes its use in describing discipleship. LSJ provides evidence of use in describing authorized companions. Vine’s connects it to committed discipleship. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of joint following. LEH notes its use in describing authorized accompaniment. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its use in describing official escorts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Mark 5:37: “And He permitted no one to follow [συνακολουθῆσαι] Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.”

Additional References:
Mark 14:51, Luke 23:49

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνακολουθέω beautifully captures the essence of Christian discipleship as authorized accompaniment. The good news of King Jesus invites us not just to follow Him individually but to journey together with fellow believers. This word reminds us that discipleship involves both divine permission and community partnership, as we witness His work and share in His ministry together.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in key moments of Jesus’s ministry where He selectively chose witnesses
2. It was used in ancient Greece for official escorts and authorized companions
3. Early church writings used this term to describe apostolic succession

Strong’s G4870: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἀκολουθέω (to follow), meaning to follow together with, to accompany. In NT usage, it describes the act of following Jesus or His disciples, emphasizing committed companionship and discipleship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: following, accompaniment, discipleship, companionship, authorized following, Christian fellowship, divine permission, witness, apostolic witness, spiritual journey, community, shared ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​