Brief Overview of συγχράομαι (Strong’s G4798: sugchraomai)

Strong’s G4798: A compound verb meaning “to have dealings with, to associate with.” From σύν (with) and χράομαι (to use, associate). Used uniquely in John’s Gospel in the context of Jewish-Samaritan relations, highlighting social and religious barriers that the Messiah came to break down.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγχράομαι represents social interaction and association, particularly in contexts where such interaction crosses cultural or religious boundaries. In its New Testament appearance, it highlights the social divide between Jews and Samaritans. The early church saw this word as significant in understanding how the Messiah breaks down social and religious barriers. Today, it reminds us of how the gospel transcends cultural divisions and challenges social prejudices.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγχράομαι, sugchraomai, /soong-khrah’-om-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KRAH – oh – my
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• χράομαι (chraomai) meaning “to use, associate with”
• Combined meaning: “to associate together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To have dealings with
• To associate with
• To interact socially

For compound words:

• σύν emphasizes mutual interaction
• χράομαι provides the concept of usage/association
• Combined stresses shared activity

Translation Options:

• “To have dealings with” – Emphasizes social interaction
• “To associate with” – Stresses relationship
• “To engage with” – Highlights active interaction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κοινωνέω (koinoneo) /koy-no-neh’-o/ – to share with See G2841
• συναναμίγνυμι (sunanamignumi) /soon-an-am-ig’-noo-mee/ – to mix together with See G4874
• προσλαμβάνω (proslambano) /pros-lam-ban’-o/ – to receive See G4355

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive form with Active meaning
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples:

• Present Middle: συγχρῶμαι (I associate with)
• Present Infinitive: συγχρᾶσθαι (to associate with)
• Present Participle: συγχρώμενος (associating with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its social interaction context. Thayer’s notes its use in cultural boundaries. LSJ traces its usage in business relationships. Vine’s highlights its significance in John’s Gospel. Strong’s connects it to mutual dealings. LEH notes similar concepts in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in social contracts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 4:9: “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings [συγχράομαι] with the Samaritans.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγχράομαι powerfully illustrates how the gospel breaks down social barriers. Through the Messiah’s interaction with the Samaritan woman, we see that the good news transcends cultural divisions, demonstrating God’s heart for all peoples and His desire to bring reconciliation.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in business contracts
• It appears in ancient documents discussing inter-cultural relations
• Early church writers used it to discuss Christian unity across ethnic lines

Strong’s G4798: A compound verb meaning “to have dealings with, to associate with.” From σύν (with) and χράομαι (to use, associate). Used uniquely in John’s Gospel in the context of Jewish-Samaritan relations, highlighting social and religious barriers that the Messiah came to break down.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: social-interaction, cultural-barriers, jewish-samaritan-relations, reconciliation, john, jesus, samaritan-woman, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, cultural-divisions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​