Sacred Conversations: συνομιλέω (Strong’s G4926: sunomileo) Bridges Divine Encounters

Strong’s G4926: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ὁμιλέω (to converse), συνομιλέω describes intimate conversation and fellowship. In Acts, it captures Peter’s meaningful dialogue with Cornelius’s household, marking a pivotal moment in the gospel’s expansion to Gentiles.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνομιλέω (sunomileo) represents more than casual conversation; it describes meaningful dialogue and intimate fellowship. This compound word emphasizes shared discourse that builds relationship and understanding. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during the significant encounter between Peter and Cornelius’s household, marking the moment when the gospel explicitly crossed cultural boundaries. Early church writers used this term to describe both evangelistic conversations and fellowship among believers. Today, it reminds us of the importance of meaningful dialogue in sharing faith and building bridges across cultural divides.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνομιλέω, sunomileo, /sün-om-il-eh’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-oh-mee-LEH-oh (where ‘eh’ sounds like in “bed”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• ὁμιλέω (homileō) – root verb meaning “to converse, talk with”
• The combination emphasizes shared conversation

D – Defining Meanings

• To converse intimately with
• To talk together
• To have fellowship through conversation

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the concept of togetherness, while ὁμιλέω provides the core meaning of conversation. Together, they create a word expressing shared, meaningful dialogue.

Translation Options:

• “to converse together” – emphasizes mutual exchange
• “to talk intimately with” – highlights the depth of communication
• “to engage in dialogue” – stresses interactive discussion

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμιλέω (homileō) /hom-il-eh’-ō/ – to speak with
  See G3656
• συλλαλέω (sullaleō) /sül-lal-eh’-ō/ – to talk with
  See G4814
• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) /dee-al-eg’-om-ahee/ – to discuss
  See G1256

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

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

The word appears showing ongoing conversation:

• συνομιλῶν (conversing with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to meaningful dialogue. Thayer’s notes its use in fellowship contexts. LSJ provides examples from social interactions. Vine’s connects it to intimate conversation. Strong’s highlights the mutual nature implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its usage in formal and informal discourse.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 10:27: “As he talked [συνομιλέω] with him, he entered and found many people assembled.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνομιλέω beautifully captures the intimate dialogue that bridges cultural and spiritual divides. This word proclaims the good news that meaningful conversation can break down barriers and open hearts to the Messiah’s message. It reminds us that genuine dialogue is a powerful tool for sharing God’s love across all boundaries.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνομιλέω appears only once in the New Testament
2. It occurs at a crucial moment in the expansion of the early church
3. The word influenced the development of Christian homiletics

Strong’s G4926: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ὁμιλέω (to converse), συνομιλέω describes intimate conversation and fellowship. In Acts, it captures Peter’s meaningful dialogue with Cornelius’s household, marking a pivotal moment in the gospel’s expansion to Gentiles.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: conversation, dialogue, fellowship, evangelism, cultural bridges, Acts, Peter, Cornelius, compound words, Greek verbs, cross-cultural ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​