Brief Overview of συνευωχέομαι (Strong’s G4910: syneuōcheomai)

Strong’s G4910: A compound verb combining σύν (together), εὖ (well), and ὀχέω (to feed), meaning to feast together or carouse. In NT usage, appears in negative contexts describing false teachers participating in love feasts, highlighting abuse of Christian fellowship.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνευωχέομαι represents a complex concept of shared feasting in fellowship. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together), εὖ (well), and ὀχέω (to feed), creating a term that describes luxurious communal dining. In its New Testament appearances in 2 Peter 2:13 and Jude 1:12, it appears in contexts criticizing false teachers who abuse Christian love feasts. The early church saw this term as a warning about corrupting sacred fellowship meals. Today, this word continues to remind us about maintaining the sanctity of Christian fellowship and communion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνευωχέομαι, syneuōcheomai, /sün-yoo-o-kheh’-om-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-yoo-oh-KHEH-oh-my (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• εὖ (eu): adverb meaning “well”
• ὀχέω (ocheō): verb meaning “to feed/sustain”
• The combination creates the meaning “to feast well together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To feast together
2. To carouse together
3. To revel in company with

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared experience
• εὖ (eu): Adds quality or luxury
• ὀχέω (ocheō): Provides feeding aspect

Translation Options:

1. “Feast together” – Best captures communal dining
2. “Carouse with” – Emphasizes excessive behavior
3. “Revel together” – Highlights celebratory aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνεσθίω (synesthiō, /sün-es-thee’-o/) – See G4906: To eat with
• συμπόσιον (symposion, /süm-pos’-ee-on/) – See G4849: Drinking party
• τρυφάω (tryphaō, /troo-fah’-o/) – See G5171: To live luxuriously

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Middle: συνευωχέομαι (I feast together)
• Present Participle: συνευωχούμενοι (feasting together)
• Imperfect: συνευωχούμην (was feasting together)
• Cross-references: εὐωχία (euōchia) – related noun meaning “feast”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of abuse of Christian fellowship. Thayer’s notes its connection to love feasts. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing festive gatherings. Vine’s highlights its negative connotations in NT usage. Strong’s connects it to luxurious feasting. Moulton and Milligan document its use in descriptions of celebratory meals.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast [συνευωχέομαι] with you;” 2 Peter 2:13

Additional References:
Jude 1:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνευωχέομαι reminds us that even sacred fellowship can be corrupted. The good news of King Jesus calls us to genuine communion rather than self-indulgent feasting. This word challenges us to maintain the purity and purpose of Christian fellowship, especially in our celebrations and communal meals.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in descriptions of ancient mystery cult feasts
2. Early church applied it to warn against abuse of agape feasts
3. Influenced development of church communion guidelines

Strong’s G4910: A compound verb expressing luxurious communal feasting. Used in NT to critique those who abuse Christian fellowship meals, emphasizing the need to maintain sacred fellowship’s purity.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: feasting, fellowship, communion, love feast, abuse, celebration, dining, revelry, Christian fellowship, communal meals​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​