Brief Overview of συναπάγω (Strong’s G4879: synapagō)

Strong’s G4879: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἀπάγω (to lead away), meaning to lead away with, be carried away with, or be led astray together. In NT usage, it particularly warns against being led away by pride or error while encouraging humble association.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναπάγω represents both positive and cautionary aspects of being led or carried along with others. As a compound word, it combines togetherness with the concept of being led away, creating a term that can describe either humble association with others or being led astray together. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts warning against pride and error while encouraging humble fellowship. The early church understood this term as a warning against collective drift from truth while also recognizing its positive aspect of Christian solidarity. Today, it continues to remind us of both the benefits of humble fellowship and the dangers of group conformity to error.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναπάγω, synapagō, /soon-ap-AG-oh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + ap (as in ‘up’) + AG (as in ‘tag’) + oh (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἀπό (apo): prefix meaning “away from”
• ἄγω (agō): root verb meaning “to lead, bring”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be led away together
• To be carried away with
• To associate with
• To be drawn away collectively
• To condescend to (in a positive sense)

For compound words:
σύν emphasizes joint movement or action, while ἀπάγω contributes the concept of being led away, creating a word that describes collective movement either positively or negatively.

Translation Options:

1. “To be carried away with” – Best captures both positive and negative connotations
2. “To associate with” – Emphasizes the fellowship aspect
3. “To be led together” – Most literal translation preserving the movement concept

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀπάγω (apagō) /ap-AG-oh/ – to lead away individually. See G520
• συμπεριφέρομαι (sumperiph𝑒romai) /soom-per-ee-FER-oh-my/ – to go about with. See G4789
• συνέπομαι (sunepomai) /soon-EP-oh-my/ – to follow with. See G4877

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Present Middle/Passive: συναπάγομαι (I am led away with)
• Present Participle: συναπαγόμενος (being led away with)
• Perfect Middle/Passive: συναπῆγμαι (I have been led away with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both positive and negative connotations. Thayer’s notes its use in moral contexts. LSJ provides evidence of use in describing social influence. Vine’s connects it to moral and social behavior. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of joint leading. LEH notes its use in describing group behavior. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its use in describing social associations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Romans 12:16: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate [συναπαγόμενοι] with the humble.”

Additional References:
2 Peter 3:17, Galatians 2:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναπάγω powerfully illustrates both the potential and danger of collective influence. The good news of King Jesus calls us to humble association with others while warning against being carried away by error. This word reminds us that Christian community should be characterized by mutual humility and discernment, following our Lord’s example of associating with the lowly while resisting collective drift from truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in contrasting contexts of positive humble association and negative group error
2. It was used in ancient Greek to describe both political movements and social trends
3. Early church writers used this term to warn against collective doctrinal drift

Strong’s G4879: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἀπάγω (to lead away), meaning to lead away with, be carried away with, or be led astray together. In NT usage, it particularly warns against being led away by pride or error while encouraging humble association.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: influence, fellowship, humility, association, group behavior, leading, conformity, social influence, humble association, collective movement, Christian community, discernment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​