Brief Overview of συμπεριλαμβάνω (Strong’s G4843: symperilambano)

Strong’s G4843: A compound verb combining συν- (with), περι- (around), and λαμβάνω (to take), meaning “to embrace completely, to take hold of all around.” Used to describe a compassionate, encompassing embrace, particularly in Paul’s action of embracing the seemingly dead Eutychus.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπεριλαμβάνω represents a complete, encompassing embrace that conveys both physical and emotional care. As a triple compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-), encompassing action (περι-), and taking hold (λαμβάνω) to express total embrace. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during Paul’s resurrection miracle with Eutychus, showing physical embrace as an expression of spiritual power and pastoral care. The early church saw this term as symbolizing the comprehensive nature of Christian care – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Today, it reminds us that ministry involves complete engagement with those in need.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπεριλαμβάνω, symperilambano, /soom-per-ee-lam-ban-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – per (unstressed) – ee (unstressed) – LAM (stressed) – ban – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• First prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Second prefix: περι- (peri-) meaning “around, about”
• Root word: λαμβάνω (lambano) meaning “to take, grasp”
• Base meaning: “to embrace completely around”

D – Defining Meanings

• To embrace completely
• To take hold of all around
• To encompass with care

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action
The prefix περι- adds the concept of complete encirclement
The root λαμβάνω contributes the action of taking hold
Together they express complete, encompassing embrace

Translation Options:

1. To embrace completely – Emphasizes the totality of the action
2. To enfold around – Stresses the encompassing nature
3. To take hold all around – Highlights the comprehensive grasp

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περιλαμβάνω (perilambano) /per-ee-lam-ban-o/ – to embrace around – See G4014
• ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai) /as-pad-zom-ahee/ – to greet with embrace – See G782
• καταφιλέω (kataphileo) /kat-af-ee-leh-o/ – to kiss tenderly – See G2705

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Example English morphing:
Present: embrace around
Future: will embrace around
Past: embraced around
Participle: embracing around

• Cross-references include the noun περίληψις (encompassing) and λαβή (grasp)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of complete embrace. Thayer’s highlights the comprehensive nature of the action. LSJ notes its use in contexts of physical and emotional care. Vine’s connects it to ministry actions. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the embrace. Moulton and Milligan document its use in expressing thorough care.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

But Paul went down and [συμπεριλαμβάνω] fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.” Acts 20:10

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπεριλαμβάνω beautifully captures the comprehensive nature of Christian care. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s ministry touches every aspect of human need – physical, emotional, and spiritual. This word reminds us that true Christian ministry involves complete engagement with those in need, reflecting the Messiah’s encompassing love.

D – Did You Know?

1. This triple compound word is one of the most expressive terms for embrace in Greek.
2. It appears in Acts during one of only a few resurrection miracles performed through apostles.
3. Early church writers used this word to describe God’s encompassing care for His people.

Strong’s G4843: A compound verb combining συν- (with), περι- (around), and λαμβάνω (to take), meaning “to embrace completely, to take hold of all around.” Used to describe a compassionate, encompassing embrace, particularly in Paul’s action of embracing the seemingly dead Eutychus.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: embrace, care, resurrection, pastoral-ministry, physical-touch, healing, compassion, comfort, comprehensive-care, miracles, ministry-action, pastoral-care​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​