Sacred Fellowship: σύντροφος (Strong’s G4939: syntrophos) Reveals Kingdom Connections

Strong’s G4939: A compound noun joining σύν (with) and τρέφω (to nourish), meaning “one brought up with, foster brother.” Used in Acts to describe Manaen’s relationship with Herod, highlighting the divine reach of the gospel across social boundaries.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύντροφος captures the intimate connection of those raised together, whether by blood or circumstance. As a compound word, it combines σύν (with) and τρέφω (to nourish), creating a term that describes deep relational bonds formed through shared upbringing. In Acts, it appears in reference to Manaen, who was raised with Herod Antipas, highlighting how the gospel transcends social barriers. The early church saw this word as demonstrating how divine grace can work through established relationships. Today, it reminds us that the Messiah’s kingdom includes people from all social backgrounds.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύντροφος, syntrophos, soon-TROH-fos
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soon’ as in ‘soon’, ‘troh’ as in ‘throw’, ‘fos’ as in ‘moss’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• τρέφω (trephō) – root verb meaning “to nourish or rear”
• -ος (-os) – nominal suffix indicating the subject
• The prefix σύν emphasizes shared experience
• The root τρέφω indicates nurturing or raising
• The suffix -ος makes it a personal noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Foster brother
• One brought up with
• Companion from youth
• Close associate from childhood
• Nursing-mate

For compound words:
σύν adds the concept of togetherness to τρέφω’s nurturing aspect, while the -ος suffix makes it a personal noun describing someone who shares this relationship.

Translation Options:

1. “Foster brother” – Best captures the familial relationship without blood ties
2. “Childhood companion” – Emphasizes the shared upbringing aspect
3. “One brought up with” – Most literal translation preserving the original meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σύντροφος (syntrophos, soon-TROH-fos) – foster sibling – See G4939
• ἀδελφός (adelphos, a-del-FOS) – brother – See G80
• σύνοικος (synoikos, SOON-oy-kos) – housemate – See G4931

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σύντροφος exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

The word would morph in English by adding markers:

• Singular: foster brother
• Plural: foster brothers
• Possessive: foster brother’s
• Plural possessive: foster brothers’

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σύντροφος’s use in royal court contexts. Thayer’s notes its specific application to those sharing education and upbringing. LSJ documents extensive usage in Hellenistic royal correspondence. Vine’s connects it to shared nurturing experiences. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting shared life experiences. LEH traces its usage in court relationships. Moulton and Milligan find it common in describing royal foster relationships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been [σύντροφος] brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13:1

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύντροφος beautifully illustrates how the gospel transcends social barriers, showing that even those raised in the highest circles of power can be called to serve the Messiah. The presence of Manaen, Herod’s foster brother, among the early church leaders demonstrates that God’s kingdom includes people from all walks of life, united in service to King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in Ptolemaic Egypt for royal foster siblings
2. Early church tradition suggests Manaen later became a teacher in Antioch
3. The word appears in ancient adoption documents describing legal familial bonds

Strong’s G4939: A compound noun joining σύν (with) and τρέφω (to nourish), meaning “one brought up with, foster brother.” Used in Acts to describe Manaen’s relationship with Herod, highlighting the divine reach of the gospel across social boundaries.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: foster-brother, companion, upbringing, relationship, Manaen, Herod, early church, social status, divine calling, unity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​