Brief Overview of συγκυρία (Strong’s G4795: sugkuria)

Strong’s G4795: A feminine noun meaning “coincidence, chance occurrence.” From σύν (with) and κύρω (to happen). Used uniquely in the Good Samaritan parable to describe what appears as chance but suggests divine providence. Reflects the intersection of human perception and divine purpose.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκυρία appears at a crucial moment in the parable of the Good Samaritan, describing what seems a chance occurrence but points to divine providence. The early church understood this word as indicating God’s sovereign orchestration of events that appear random to human observers. Today, it reminds us that what we consider coincidence often serves God’s purposeful design, particularly in opportunities for showing mercy.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκυρία, sugkuria, /soong-koo-ree’-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KOO – ree – ah
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κύρω (kuro) root meaning “to happen, occur”
• -ία (-ia) noun-forming suffix
• Combined meaning: “a coming together of events”

D – Defining Meanings

• Coincidence
• Chance occurrence
• Concurrence of circumstances

For compound words:

• σύν indicates conjunction
• κυρ- provides the concept of happening
• -ία makes it an abstract noun

Translation Options:

• “By chance” – Most common translation
• “By coincidence” – Emphasizes apparent randomness
• “By providence” – Suggests divine oversight

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τύχη (tuche) /too’-khay/ – fortune, chance See G5173
• καιρός (kairos) /kahee-ros’/ – appointed time See G2540
• συμβαίνω (sumbaino) /soom-bah’-ee-no/ – to happen See G4819

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative: συγκυρία (coincidence)
• Genitive: συγκυρίας (of coincidence)
• Dative: συγκυρίᾳ (by coincidence)
• Accusative: συγκυρίαν (coincidence as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in apparently chance events. Thayer’s notes divine providence underlying coincidence. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for concurrent events. Vine’s highlights its unique New Testament appearance. Strong’s connects it to providential timing. LEH notes similar concepts in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in papyri for unexpected events.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 10:31: “And by chance [συγκυρία] there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκυρία beautifully illustrates how God’s providence works through seemingly random events. In the Good Samaritan parable, it proclaims that the good news of King Jesus often appears in what we call coincidence, revealing divine opportunities for mercy and love.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only once in the New Testament
• It was used in Greek philosophical discussions about fate versus providence
• Early church writers used it to discuss God’s hidden guidance

Strong’s G4795: A feminine noun meaning “coincidence, chance occurrence.” From σύν (with) and κύρω (to happen). Used uniquely in the Good Samaritan parable to describe what appears as chance but suggests divine providence. Reflects the intersection of human perception and divine purpose.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: providence, coincidence, chance, divine-purpose, good-samaritan, luke, parables, divine-timing, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, mercy, opportunity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​