Brief Overview of συγκαταβαίνω (Strong’s G4782: sugkatabaino)

Strong’s G4782: A compound verb meaning “to go down with, descend together.” From σύν (with), κατά (down), and βαίνω (to go). Used in legal contexts for accompanying accusers to trial. Represents both literal descent and metaphorical condescension or accommodation in classical usage.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκαταβαίνω combines the concepts of accompaniment and descent, literally meaning to go down with someone. In its New Testament context, it appears in Acts within a legal setting, describing the process of accusers going down together to present charges. The early church fathers expanded its usage to describe divine condescension, particularly the Messiah’s incarnation. Today, it reminds us of both the legal processes of justice and the profound theological truth of God’s willingness to “descend” to our level in the incarnation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκαταβαίνω, sugkatabaino, /soong-kat-ab-ah’-ee-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kat (as in “cat”) – ab – AH – ee – no
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κατά (kata) prefix meaning “down”
• βαίνω (baino) root meaning “to go, walk”
• Combined meaning: “to go down together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To descend together with
• To go down in company with
• To accommodate oneself to others

For compound words:

• σύν indicates joint action
• κατά provides directional movement downward
• βαίνω contributes the basic motion

Translation Options:

• “To go down with” – Most literal translation
• “To descend together” – Emphasizes group movement
• “To come down alongside” – Stresses accompaniment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταβαίνω (katabaino) /kat-ab-ah’-ee-no/ – to go down See G2597
• συμπορεύομαι (sumporeuomai) /soom-por-yoo’-om-ahee/ – to journey with See G4848
• συνέρχομαι (sunerchomai) /soon-er’-khom-ahee/ – to come together See G4905

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:

• Aorist Active: συγκατέβην (I went down with)
• Present Participle: συγκαταβαίνων (going down with)
• Aorist Imperative: συγκατάβητε (go down with!)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its legal usage in Acts. Thayer’s notes its compound nature and literal meaning. LSJ traces its metaphorical development in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its single New Testament occurrence. Strong’s connects it to accompaniment in descent. LEH notes similar compounds in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in legal papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 25:5: “Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with [συγκαταβαίνω] me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκαταβαίνω beautifully illustrates both human legal processes and divine condescension. While used in Acts for a legal journey, it points to the greater truth of how the Messiah descended to our level. This word proclaims the good news that God has come down to us in the person of Jesus, making His dwelling among us.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only once in the New Testament in a legal context
• Early church fathers used it extensively to describe the incarnation
• It influenced theological discussions about divine accommodation

Strong’s G4782: A compound verb meaning “to go down with, descend together.” From σύν (with), κατά (down), and βαίνω (to go). Used in legal contexts for accompanying accusers to trial. Represents both literal descent and metaphorical condescension or accommodation in classical usage.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: accompaniment, descent, legal-process, divine-condescension, incarnation, acts, paul, trials, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, roman-law, justice-system​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​