Brief Overview of συγκεράννυμι (Strong’s G4786: sugkerannumi)
Strong’s G4786: A compound verb meaning “to mix together, blend, combine harmoniously.” From σύν (with) and κεράννυμι (to mix). Used metaphorically in discussing God’s arrangement of the body and the mixing of faith with hearing. Emphasizes divine craftsmanship in creating unity from diversity.
U- Unveiling the Word
Συγκεράννυμι carries the primary meaning of skillful mixing or blending, drawing from the imagery of combining different elements into a harmonious whole. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe God’s masterful composition of the human body and the necessary combination of faith with hearing the Word. The early church saw this word as expressing divine wisdom in creating unity while preserving diversity. Today, it reminds us of God’s intentional design in both physical creation and spiritual formation.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: συγκεράννυμι, sugkerannumi, /soong-ker-an’-noo-mee/
- Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – ker (as in “care”) – AN – noo – mee
- Part of Speech: Verb
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Etymology:
- σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
- κεράννυμι (kerannumi) meaning “to mix, blend”
- Combined meaning: “to mix together harmoniously”
D – Defining Meanings
- To mix together thoroughly
- To combine harmoniously
- To blend in proper proportion
For compound words:
- σύν indicates joint combination
- κεράννυμι provides the concept of mixing/blending
- Together emphasizes harmonious combination
Translation Options:
- “To blend together” – Emphasizes harmonious combination
- “To mix thoroughly” – Stresses completeness
- “To temper” – Highlights skillful adjustment
E – Exploring Similar Words
- μίγνυμι (mignumi) /mig’-noo-mee/ – to mix See G3396
- κεράννυμι (kerannumi) /ker-an’-noo-mee/ – to mix, mingle See G2767
- συναρμολογέω (sunarmologeo) /soon-ar-mol-og-eh’-o/ – to join together See G4883
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb:
- Tense: Aorist, Perfect
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative, Participle
- Person: Third
- Number: Singular
- Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)
Examples:
- Aorist Active: συνεκέρασα (I mixed together)
- Perfect Passive: συγκέκραμαι (I have been mixed together)
- Present Active: συγκεράννυμι (I am mixing together)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of divine design. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical application to spiritual truths. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for proper mixing. Vine’s highlights its significance in body imagery. Strong’s connects it to harmonious combination. LEH notes similar concepts in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its technical use in medicine and chemistry.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
1 Corinthians 12:24: “For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered [συγκεράννυμι] the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.”
Additional References:
Hebrews 4:2
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Hippocrates: On Medicine | “The elements must be properly mixed together [συγκεράννυμι] for health” |
Aristotle: On Generation | “Nature blends [συγκεράννυμι] the elements in perfect proportion” |
Plato: Timaeus | “The creator mixed together [συγκεράννυμι] the soul of the world” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Συγκεράννυμι beautifully illustrates God’s wisdom in creating harmony from diversity. Through this word, we see how the good news of King Jesus brings together different members into one body, and how faith must be properly mixed with hearing for spiritual effectiveness.
D – Did You Know?
- The word was used in ancient medical texts for mixing medicines
- It appears in philosophical discussions about the creation of the soul
- Early church writers used it to describe the unity of divine and human natures in the Messiah
Strong’s G4786: A compound verb meaning “to mix together, blend, combine harmoniously.” From σύν (with) and κεράννυμι (to mix). Used metaphorically in discussing God’s arrangement of the body and the mixing of faith with hearing. Emphasizes divine craftsmanship in creating unity from diversity.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: mixing, unity, diversity, body-of-messiah, divine-design, harmony, faith, hearing, paul, corinthians, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek
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