Brief Overview of συνανάκειμαι (Strong’s G4873: synanakeimai)

Strong’s G4873: A compound verb combining σύν (with), ἀνά (up/back), and κεῖμαι (to lie), meaning to recline together at a meal. In NT usage, it describes table fellowship, particularly Jesus’s practice of dining with various groups, emphasizing inclusion and intimate communion.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνανάκειμαι represents the profound act of shared table fellowship in ancient Mediterranean culture. As a compound word, it combines togetherness with the practice of reclining at meals, reflecting the common posture for formal dining in the Greco-Roman world. In the New Testament, this term appears frequently in contexts where Jesus shares meals with various groups, including “tax collectors and sinners,” demonstrating His radical inclusivity. The early church understood this term as representing both physical and spiritual communion, as shared meals became central to Christian fellowship. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian hospitality and the theological significance of table fellowship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνανάκειμαι, synanakeimai, /soon-an-AK-i-my/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + an (as in ‘on’) + AK (as in ‘back’) + i (as in ‘it’) + my (as in ‘my’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἀνά (ana): prefix meaning “up, back”
• κεῖμαι (keimai): root verb meaning “to lie, recline”

D – Defining Meanings

• To recline together at a meal
• To dine together in fellowship
• To share table communion
• To participate in communal dining
• To recline as dinner guests

For compound words:
σύν emphasizes shared experience, ἀνά indicates the position, and κεῖμαι describes the reclining posture, creating a word that captures the full cultural practice of formal dining.

Translation Options:

1. “To recline together” – Best captures the physical posture and communal aspect
2. “To dine together” – Emphasizes the fellowship aspect
3. “To share a meal with” – Focuses on the communal experience

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀνάκειμαι (anakeimai) /an-AK-i-my/ – to recline alone or in general. See G345
• κατάκειμαι (katakeimai) /kat-AK-i-my/ – to lie down, often in illness. See G2621
• συνεσθίω (synesthiō) /soon-es-thee-OH/ – to eat with. See G4906

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present), Stative (perfect)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Middle: συνανάκειμαι (I recline with)
• Present Participle: συνανακείμενος (reclining with)
• Perfect: συνανακέκειμαι (I have reclined with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the social significance of shared meals. Thayer’s notes its use in describing formal dining customs. LSJ provides evidence of use in both secular and religious contexts. Vine’s connects it to fellowship and communion. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of shared reclining. LEH notes its use in describing festive meals. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its social significance in daily life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Matthew 9:10: “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down [συνανέκειντο] with Him and His disciples.”

Additional References:
Matthew 14:9, Mark 2:15, Mark 6:22, Luke 7:49, Luke 14:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνανάκειμαι powerfully illustrates Jesus’s radical table fellowship and inclusive love. The good news of King Jesus breaks down social barriers, as demonstrated by His willingness to dine with all manner of people. This word reminds us that the kingdom of God is often manifest around shared tables, where barriers fall and communion happens. It challenges us to practice the same inclusive table fellowship that characterized Jesus’s ministry.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word reflects the Roman custom of reclining on couches during formal meals
2. Jesus’s practice of open table fellowship was revolutionary in His cultural context
3. Early church communion practices were influenced by this concept of shared meals

Strong’s G4873: A compound verb combining σύν (with), ἀνά (up/back), and κεῖμαι (to lie), meaning to recline together at a meal. In NT usage, it describes table fellowship, particularly Jesus’s practice of dining with various groups, emphasizing inclusion and intimate communion.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fellowship, dining, communion, table fellowship, hospitality, meals, inclusion, community, shared meals, reclining, banquet, Christian fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​