Strong’s G4961: From sun (with) and stratiótés (soldier), συστρατιώτης describes fellow soldiers in spiritual warfare. Paul uses this military metaphor to emphasize the shared commitment and camaraderie among believers in advancing the Gospel and defending the faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

συστρατιώτης powerfully combines military imagery with spiritual reality. As a compound word joining “together with” (σύν) and “soldier” (στρατιώτης), it depicts believers as comrades-in-arms in the spiritual battle. Paul employs this term to emphasize the deep bonds and shared mission among Gospel workers. The early church understood this military metaphor as highlighting both the serious nature of spiritual warfare and the essential unity needed among believers. Today, it reminds us that advancing the Kingdom requires both individual commitment and collective effort, emphasizing the importance of standing together in spiritual battle.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συστρατιώτης, sustratiótés, /sü-strä-tē-ō’-tās/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-stra-tee-OH-tace” (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• στρατιώτης (stratiótés) – noun meaning “soldier”
• -ης (-és) – masculine noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Fellow soldier
• Comrade-in-arms
• Co-combatant in spiritual warfare

For compound words:
σύν (together) combines with στρατιώτης (soldier) to express shared military service, emphasizing both companionship and common purpose in spiritual warfare.

Translation Options:

• “Fellow soldier” – Best captures both military and partnership aspects
• “Co-warrior” – Emphasizes the militant aspect of spiritual battle
• “Battle companion” – Highlights the relational aspect of shared warfare

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στρατιώτης (stratiótés) /strä-tē-ō’-tās/ – soldier – See G4757
• συναγωνίζομαι (synagónizomai) /sün-ä-gō-nē’-zo-mī/ – to strive together – See G4865
• συνεργός (synergos) /sü-ner-go’s/ – fellow worker – See G4904

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, συστρατιώτης follows these patterns:

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

Examples:

• Nominative: συστρατιώτης (a fellow soldier)
• Genitive: συστρατιώτου (of a fellow soldier)
• Dative: συστρατιώτῃ (to/for a fellow soldier)
• Accusative: συστρατιώτην (fellow soldier as direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both military and metaphorical contexts. Thayer’s highlights its application to spiritual warfare. LSJ notes its common usage in military correspondence. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s military metaphors for Christian service. Strong’s emphasizes the fellowship aspect. Moulton and Milligan document its use in military papyri for expressing camaraderie.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Philippians 2:25: “But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier [συστρατιώτης], who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.”

Additional References:

• Philemon 1:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συστρατιώτης beautifully captures the militant aspect of advancing the Kingdom while emphasizing our need for fellowship in the fight. This word proclaims the good news that we’re not alone in spiritual warfare—the Messiah has called us to stand together as His army, equipped with His power and united in His purpose.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in military discharge papers to express bonds of service
• Early Christians used this word to describe martyrs who stood together in persecution
• Paul’s use of this term influenced early church organization and leadership structure

Strong’s G4961: From sun (with) and stratiótés (soldier), συστρατιώτης describes fellow soldiers in spiritual warfare. Paul uses this military metaphor to emphasize the shared commitment and camaraderie among believers in advancing the Gospel and defending the faith.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: spiritual warfare, military metaphors, fellowship, unity, Paul’s ministry, Christian service, spiritual battle, brotherhood, gospel advancement, Christian soldiers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​