Brief Overview of συγκομίζω (Strong’s G4792: sugkomizo)

Strong’s G4792: A compound verb meaning “to carry together, to help in carrying, to assist in burial.” From σύν (with) and κομίζω (to carry, bring). Used in Acts to describe devout men carrying Stephen to burial, reflecting both physical action and reverent care for martyred believers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκομίζω carries the primary meaning of joining together to carry something, particularly in contexts of burial. In its New Testament usage, it describes the reverent burial of Stephen by devout men, showing both practical care and spiritual honor for martyrs. The early church saw special significance in this word as it related to proper burial practices and honoring those who died for their faith. Today, it reminds us of the importance of showing proper respect for the deceased and the Christian community’s responsibility to care for one another, even in death.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκομίζω, sugkomizo, /soong-kom-id’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – ko (as in “co”) – MID – zo
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κομίζω (komizo) meaning “to carry, bring”
• Combined meaning: “to carry together, bring together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To carry together
• To join in bearing
• To assist in burial

For compound words:

• σύν indicates joint action
• κομίζω provides the concept of carrying
• Combined emphasizes cooperative effort

Translation Options:

• “To carry to burial” – Emphasizes funerary context
• “To bear together” – Stresses collective action
• “To convey with others” – Highlights shared responsibility

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θάπτω (thapto) /thap’-to/ – to bury See G2290
• ἐκφέρω (ekphero) /ek-fer’-o/ – to carry out See G1627
• κηδεύω (kedeuo) /kay-dyoo’-o/ – to care for burial See G2798

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:

• Aorist Active: συνεκόμισαν (they carried together)
• Present Active: συγκομίζω (I carry together)
• Future Active: συγκομίσω (I will carry together)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in burial contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to communal action. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for gathering. Vine’s highlights its significance in Stephen’s burial. Strong’s connects it to joint carrying. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for harvest gathering. Moulton and Milligan show its use in funeral arrangements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 8:2: “And devout men carried [συγκομίζω] Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκομίζω beautifully illustrates the Christian community’s care for its members, even in death. Through the example of Stephen’s burial, we see how the good news of King Jesus dignifies both life and death, calling believers to honor those who have faithfully finished their course.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in harvest contexts before its burial usage
• It appears in ancient funeral receipts and documents
• Early church writers used it to describe proper care for martyrs’ remains

Strong’s G4792: A compound verb meaning “to carry together, to help in carrying, to assist in burial.” From σύν (with) and κομίζω (to carry, bring). Used in Acts to describe devout men carrying Stephen to burial, reflecting both physical action and reverent care for martyred believers.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: burial, martyrdom, stephen, acts, communal-care, funeral-rites, christian-community, persecution, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, burial-customs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​