Brief Overview of συζάω (Strong’s G4800: suzaō)

Strong’s G4800: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ζάω (to live), meaning “to live together with.” In New Testament theology, it specifically refers to the spiritual union of believers with the Messiah, emphasizing the shared life that comes through faith and baptism into His death and resurrection.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συζάω embodies one of the most profound concepts in New Testament theology – the mystical union between believers and the Messiah. As a compound word, it literally means “to live together with,” but carries deeper spiritual significance in its theological context. In Romans 6:8, it describes the intimate spiritual reality of believers sharing in the Messiah’s resurrected life. The early church fathers emphasized this word to express the transformative nature of Christian existence – not merely following the Messiah’s teachings, but actually participating in His life. Today, it continues to capture the essence of Christian identity as a shared life with the risen Lord.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συζάω, suzaō, /soo-ZAH-oh/
• Pronunciation: soo-DZAH-oh (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ζάω (zaō): root verb meaning “to live”
  The combination creates the concept of living in union or fellowship with someone

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To live together with
2. To share life with another
3. To experience life in union with someone

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint participation or union
• ζάω (zaō): conveys active, continuous living
  Together they express the idea of sustained shared existence

Translation Options:

1. “Live with” – Emphasizes the ongoing shared existence
2. “Live together” – Highlights the mutual aspect of the relationship
3. “Share life” – Captures the depth of communion implied

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμβιόω (symbioō) /soom-bee-OH-oh/ – focuses on living together in daily life. See G4815
• συνοικέω (synoikeō) /soon-oy-KEH-oh/ – emphasizes dwelling together. See G4924
• συμπορεύομαι (symporeuomai) /soom-po-RYOO-oh-mai/ – describes journeying together. See G4848

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

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

Examples:

• Present: συζῶ (suzō) – I live with
• Future: συζήσω (suzēsō) – I will live with
• Aorist: συζήσωμεν (suzēsōmen) – we might live with

Cross-references:

• Noun form: συζωή (suzōē)
• Participle: συζῶν (suzōn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the spiritual dimension of συζάω in Pauline theology. Thayer’s highlights its use in contexts of resurrection life. LSJ notes its classical usage for physical cohabitation. Vine’s stresses its theological significance in Christian doctrine. Strong’s connects it to the concept of continued shared existence. LEH discusses its usage in Hellenistic Jewish literature. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its metaphorical use in personal letters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 6:8 “Now if we have died with the Messiah, we believe that we will also [live with] {συζάω} Him.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 7:3
2 Timothy 2:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συζάω beautifully captures the essence of Christian life as intimate communion with the risen Messiah. This word reveals that following Jesus isn’t merely about adhering to teachings or rules, but about sharing in His very life. It proclaims the good news that through faith, we don’t just believe in Jesus – we actually participate in His resurrection life, experiencing the power and presence of His Spirit in our daily walk.

D – Did You Know?

1. The concept of συζάω influenced early Christian mysticism and spiritual writings about union with the Messiah.
2. This word appears in ancient Greek marriage contracts, emphasizing the complete sharing of life between spouses.
3. Early church fathers used this term to describe the Christian’s participation in the divine nature.

Strong’s G4800: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ζάω (to live), meaning “to live together with.” In New Testament theology, it specifically refers to the spiritual union of believers with the Messiah, emphasizing the shared life that comes through faith and baptism into His death and resurrection.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: life, union, resurrection, spiritual-life, communion, fellowship, pauline-theology, romans, christian-living, mystical-union, shared-life, christ-centered​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​