Brief Overview of σύμψυχος (Strong’s G4861: sympsychos)

Strong’s G4861: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and ψυχή (soul), meaning “united in soul, of one mind.” Used by Paul to describe the deep spiritual unity desired among believers, emphasizing complete harmony of heart and purpose in the body of the Messiah.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύμψυχος represents the profound concept of soul-level unity among believers. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with soul (ψυχή) to express complete unity of heart, mind, and purpose. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe the ideal state of Christian community, where believers share such deep spiritual unity that they function as one soul. The early church saw this term as crucial for understanding true Christian fellowship. Today, it continues to challenge our understanding of church unity, calling us beyond mere organizational alignment to genuine spiritual oneness.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύμψυχος, sympsychos, /soom-psoo-khos/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – PSOO (stressed) – khos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: ψυχή (psyche) meaning “soul, life”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming adjectives
• Base meaning: “joined in soul”

D – Defining Meanings

• United in soul
• Of one mind
• Having joined souls

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates complete unity
The root ψυχή contributes the concept of soul/life
Together they express soul-level unity

Translation Options:

1. United in soul – Most literal translation
2. Of one mind – Emphasizes mental unity
3. Soul-joined – Captures the intimate unity implied

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμόφρων (homophron) /hom-of-rone/ – like-minded – See G3675
• ἰσόψυχος (isopsychos) /ee-sop-soo-khos/ – like-minded – See G2473
• σύμφωνος (symphonos) /soom-fo-nos/ – harmonious – See G4859

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Example English forms:
Masculine: united in soul
Feminine: united in soul
Neuter: united in soul
Plural adds appropriate endings

• Cross-references include the verb συμψυχέω (to be united in soul) and ψυχή (soul)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing complete spiritual unity. Thayer’s highlights the depth of unity implied. LSJ notes its rare usage outside Christian contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual fellowship. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the unity. Moulton and Milligan document its unique Christian usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, [σύμψυχος] of one mind Philippians 2:2

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύμψυχος beautifully captures the profound unity possible in the body of the Messiah. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus creates a new community united at the deepest level of being. This word reminds us that true Christian unity goes far beyond external agreement to soul-level harmony.

D – Did You Know?

1. This rare word appears uniquely in Paul’s appeal for Christian unity.
2. It represents one of the deepest expressions of unity in Greek literature.
3. Early church writers used this term to describe the ideal Christian community.

Strong’s G4861: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and ψυχή (soul), meaning “united in soul, of one mind.” Used by Paul to describe the deep spiritual unity desired among believers, emphasizing complete harmony of heart and purpose in the body of the Messiah.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: unity, fellowship, soul, spiritual-unity, community, oneness, harmony, church-unity, like-mindedness, spiritual-fellowship, christian-community, body-of-christ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​