Brief Overview of συνεγείρω (Strong’s G4891: synegeirō)

Strong’s G4891: A compound verb combining σύν (together with) and ἐγείρω (to raise up), meaning to raise up together. Used theologically to express believers’ spiritual resurrection with the Messiah and their future bodily resurrection, emphasizing participation in His resurrection life.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνεγείρω represents a profound theological concept in the New Testament, particularly in Pauline theology. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together with) and ἐγείρω (to raise up), expressing both the present spiritual and future physical resurrection of believers with the Messiah. In its New Testament usage, it carries dual significance: the immediate spiritual resurrection believers experience upon conversion and the promised bodily resurrection. The early church understood this term as expressing their complete identification with the Messiah’s resurrection power. Today, this word continues to remind believers of their present spiritual vitality and future resurrection hope in Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνεγείρω, synegeirō, /sün-eg-i’-ro/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-eh-GEE-ro (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together with”
• ἐγείρω (egeirō): verb meaning “to raise up, awaken”
• The combination creates the meaning “to raise up together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To raise up together
2. To resurrect jointly
3. To awaken collectively

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes joint participation in the action
• ἐγείρω (egeirō): Provides the core meaning of raising or awakening
• Together they express shared resurrection experience

Translation Options:

1. “Raise together” – Best captures the joint nature of resurrection
2. “Co-resurrect” – Emphasizes unity with the Messiah
3. “Quicken together” – Highlights the life-giving aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐγείρω (egeirō, /eg-i’-ro/) – See G1453: Basic term for raising up
• συζωοποιέω (syzōopoieō, /sood-zo-op-oy-eh’-o/) – See G4806: To make alive together
• ἀνάστασις (anastasis, /an-as’-tas-is/) – See G386: Resurrection

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Example morphological changes:

• Aorist Passive: συνηγέρθην (I was raised together)
• Perfect Passive: συνεγήγερμαι (I have been raised together)
• Aorist Active: συνήγειρα (I raised together)
• Cross-references: συνανάστασις (synanastasis) – related noun meaning “joint resurrection”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s spiritual and eschatological dimensions. Thayer’s notes its use in both present spiritual and future physical resurrection contexts. LSJ provides limited classical usage, highlighting its rarity outside biblical contexts. Vine’s emphasizes its connection to union with the Messiah. Strong’s connects it to the concept of joint resurrection. Moulton and Milligan note its specialized theological usage in early Christian literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And hath raised us up together [συνεγείρω], and made us sit together in heavenly places in the Messiah Jesus:” Ephesians 2:6

Additional References:
Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνεγείρω powerfully expresses our complete identification with the Messiah in His resurrection. This word proclaims the good news that believers are not only forgiven but actually participate in the Messiah’s resurrection life – both now spiritually and in the future bodily. It reminds us that our salvation includes not just deliverance from sin but positive participation in His resurrection power and glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in early Christian baptismal liturgies
2. It’s part of a cluster of “συν-” compounds in Ephesians describing union with the Messiah
3. Early church fathers used it to describe both individual resurrection and the corporate resurrection of the church

Strong’s G4891: A compound verb joining “together with” (σύν) and “to raise” (ἐγείρω), expressing believers’ participation in the Messiah’s resurrection. Used for both present spiritual resurrection and future bodily resurrection, emphasizing complete identification with Him.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: resurrection, union with Messiah, spiritual life, future hope, baptism, new life, transformation, eschatology, salvation, identity in Messiah, eternal life​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​