Brief Overview of συζωοποιέω (Strong’s G4806: suzōopoieō)

Strong’s G4806: A compound verb combining σύν (with), ζωή (life), and ποιέω (to make), meaning “to make alive together with.” In Pauline theology, it specifically describes God’s action of giving spiritual life to believers in union with the Messiah’s resurrection.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συζωοποιέω represents one of the most profound theological concepts in the New Testament. As a triple compound word, it combines the ideas of togetherness, life, and making/creating. In Ephesians 2:5 and Colossians 2:13, Paul uses this term to describe the miraculous spiritual resurrection believers experience in union with the Messiah. Early church fathers emphasized this word to explain the transformative nature of salvation. Today, it continues to express the radical nature of spiritual regeneration and our participation in the Messiah’s resurrection life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συζωοποιέω, suzōopoieō, /sood-zo-oh-poy-EH-oh/
• Pronunciation: soo-dzo-oh-poy-EH-oh (stress on second-to-last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ζωή (zōē): root noun meaning “life”
• ποιέω (poieō): verb meaning “to make or do”
  The combination expresses the concept of making alive together with someone

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To make alive together with
2. To quicken together with
3. To give life jointly with another

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint participation
• ζωή (zōē): conveys true, spiritual life
• ποιέω (poieō): expresses active creation or making
  Together they describe the divine act of giving new life in union with the Messiah

Translation Options:

1. “Make alive together” – Emphasizes the joint nature of vivification
2. “Give life together with” – Highlights the gift aspect
3. “Quicken together” – Traditional theological term capturing the concept

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ζωοποιέω (zōopoieō) /dzo-oh-poy-EH-oh/ – focuses on making alive without the joint aspect. See G2227
• συνεγείρω (sunegeirō) /soon-eg-EYE-roh/ – emphasizes raising up together. See G4891
• ἀναζάω (anazaō) /an-ad-ZAH-oh/ – stresses coming back to life. See G326

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar (completed action)

Examples:

• Aorist Active: συνεζωοποίησεν – He made alive together
• Present Active: συζωοποιεῖ – He makes alive together
• Future Active: συζωοποιήσει – He will make alive together

Cross-references:

• Noun form: συζωοποίησις (suzōopoiēsis)
• Adjective: συζωοποιητός (suzōopoiētos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing spiritual regeneration. Thayer’s notes its connection to resurrection life. LSJ provides limited classical usage. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in Pauline writings. Strong’s connects it to the concept of new life in the Messiah. LEH discusses its usage in Christian contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its distinctly Christian origin.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Ephesians 2:5 “Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [made us alive together] {συζωοποιέω} with the Messiah—by grace you have been saved.”

Additional References:
Colossians 2:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συζωοποιέω powerfully proclaims the transformative nature of salvation in the Messiah. It announces the good news that through faith, we don’t just receive forgiveness – we are literally made alive with the Messiah, participating in His resurrection life. This word reminds us that salvation is not merely a change of status but a profound spiritual regeneration, making us new creatures in the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears to be a distinctly Christian creation, not found in pre-Christian Greek literature.
2. It became a key term in early church baptismal liturgies.
3. The concept influenced Eastern Orthodox theology of theosis (divine participation).

Strong’s G4806: A compound verb combining σύν (with), ζωή (life), and ποιέω (to make), meaning “to make alive together with.” In Pauline theology, it specifically describes God’s action of giving spiritual life to believers in union with the Messiah’s resurrection.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: resurrection, regeneration, spiritual-life, salvation, union-with-christ, pauline-theology, ephesians, colossians, new-life, transformation, quickening, spiritual-rebirth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​