Brief Overview of συμπαραλαμβάνω (Strong’s G4838: symparalambano)

Strong’s G4838: A compound verb combining συν- (with), παρα- (beside), and λαμβάνω (to take), meaning “to take along together with.” Used in Acts and Pauline letters to describe the selection and inclusion of companions in ministry work, particularly in missionary contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπαραλαμβάνω represents the intentional act of taking someone along as a companion in ministry. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-), closeness (παρα-), and taking/receiving (λαμβάνω) to express the deliberate inclusion of companions in mission work. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of ministry team formation and mentoring relationships. The early church understood this term as crucial for ministry multiplication and discipleship. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of collaborative ministry and the importance of mentoring relationships in spreading the gospel.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπαραλαμβάνω, symparalambano, /soom-par-al-am-ban-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – par (unstressed) – al (stressed) – am – ban – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• First prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Second prefix: παρα- (para-) meaning “beside, alongside”
• Root word: λαμβάνω (lambano) meaning “to take, receive”
• Base meaning: “to take along together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To take along with
• To receive as a companion
• To include as a fellow worker

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action
The prefix παρα- adds the concept of close association
The root λαμβάνω contributes the action of taking/receiving
Together they express intentional inclusion of companions

Translation Options:

1. To take along with – Emphasizes the active inclusion
2. To receive as a companion – Highlights the relational aspect
3. To include together – Stresses the collaborative nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παραλαμβάνω (paralambano) /par-al-am-ban-o/ – to take with oneself – See G3880
• συλλαμβάνω (syllambano) /sool-lam-ban-o/ – to take together – See G4815
• προσλαμβάνω (proslambano) /pros-lam-ban-o/ – to take to oneself – See G4355

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example English morphing:
Present: take along
Future: will take along
Past: took along
Participle: taking along

• Cross-references include the noun συμπαραλήψις (joint reception) and παραλήπτης (companion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in ministry contexts for including companions. Thayer’s highlights the deliberate nature of the inclusion implied. LSJ notes its use in formal contexts of accepting companions. Vine’s connects it to patterns of ministry formation. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the companionship. Moulton and Milligan document its use in official contexts of adding associates.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and [συμπαραλαμβάνω] took with them John whose surname was Mark. Acts 12:25

Additional References:
Acts 15:37, Acts 15:38, Galatians 2:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπαραλαμβάνω beautifully captures the collaborative nature of Kingdom work. It reminds us that spreading the good news of King Jesus is not a solo endeavor but involves intentionally including others in ministry. This word proclaims that discipleship happens through deliberate companionship and mentoring relationships.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word played a key role in early missionary team formation in Acts.
2. It appears in both positive contexts (including companions) and negative ones (debates about whom to include).
3. The triple compound nature of the word emphasizes the deliberate and formal nature of ministry companionship.

Strong’s G4838: A compound verb combining συν- (with), παρα- (beside), and λαμβάνω (to take), meaning “to take along together with.” Used in Acts and Pauline letters to describe the selection and inclusion of companions in ministry work, particularly in missionary contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: ministry-teams, discipleship, mentoring, missions, companionship, collaboration, team-building, leadership, partnership, missionary-work, inclusion, ministry-formation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​