Dwelling Together: συνοικέω (Strong’s G4924: sunoikeō) Reveals Marital Harmony

Strong’s G4924: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and οἰκέω (to dwell), συνοικέω describes the intimate shared life of marriage. In 1 Peter, it emphasizes the Christian husband’s duty to live wisely and considerately with his wife, recognizing her as a co-heir of God’s grace.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνοικέω (sunoikeō) represents more than just sharing a physical dwelling; it encompasses the entire concept of living together in marriage with understanding and wisdom. This compound word emphasizes both the physical and spiritual aspects of marital cohabitation. In the New Testament, it appears in Peter’s instruction about Christian marriage, highlighting the husband’s responsibility to live with his wife in an understanding way. Early church writers used this term to describe the sacred bond of Christian marriage and its reflection of the Messiah’s relationship with His church. Today, it continues to guide believers in understanding marriage as a spiritual partnership where spouses dwell together as equal heirs of God’s grace.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνοικέω, sunoikeō, /sün-oy-keh’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-oy-KEH-oh (where ‘eh’ sounds like in “bed”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• οἰκέω (oikeō) – root verb meaning “to dwell, inhabit”
• The combination emphasizes shared dwelling and life

D – Defining Meanings

• To dwell together
• To live together as husband and wife
• To share life in marriage

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the concept of togetherness, while οἰκέω provides the core meaning of dwelling. Together, they create a word expressing intimate shared living.

Translation Options:

• “to dwell together with” – emphasizes the shared living space
• “to cohabit with understanding” – highlights the wisdom aspect
• “to live together as spouses” – focuses on the marital relationship

E – Exploring Similar Words

• οἰκέω (oikeō) /oy-keh’-ō/ – to dwell (without the shared aspect)
  See G3611
• συνοικοδομέω (sunoikodomeō) /sün-oy-kod-om-eh’-ō/ – to build together
  See G4925
• κατοικέω (katoikeō) /kat-oy-keh’-ō/ – to settle down, dwell
  See G2730

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (Participle)
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word appears in forms showing ongoing action:

• συνοικοῦντες (dwelling together)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in marriage contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to wise and understanding cohabitation. LSJ provides examples from marriage contracts. Vine’s connects it to considerate marital living. Strong’s highlights the intimacy implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in marriage documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Peter 3:7: “You husbands in the same way, live [συνοικέω] with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνοικέω beautifully captures God’s design for marriage as a shared life of understanding and grace. This word proclaims the good news that marriage reflects the Messiah’s relationship with His church, where understanding, honor, and mutual respect characterize the relationship. It reminds us that Christian marriage is a testimony to God’s grace and wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνοικέω appears only once in the New Testament
2. The word influenced early Christian teaching on marriage
3. Ancient marriage contracts often used this term to describe legal cohabitation

Strong’s G4924: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and οἰκέω (to dwell), συνοικέω describes the intimate shared life of marriage. In 1 Peter, it emphasizes the Christian husband’s duty to live wisely and considerately with his wife, recognizing her as a co-heir of God’s grace.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: marriage, cohabitation, understanding, partnership, Christian living, household, Peter’s letters, compound words, Greek verbs, marital wisdom, spiritual equality​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​