Brief Overview of συμβασιλεύω (Strong’s G4821: symbasileuō)

Strong’s G4821: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βασιλεύω (to reign), meaning “to reign together with.” In Pauline usage, it describes the profound theological concept of believers sharing in the Messiah’s reign, both present and eschatological.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συμβασιλεύω represents one of the most exalted promises of Christian faith. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with royal rule. In 1 Corinthians 4:8, Paul uses it ironically to address the Corinthians’ premature sense of spiritual arrival, while affirming the ultimate truth that believers will indeed reign with the Messiah. Early church fathers emphasized this word to describe the believer’s ultimate destiny in Christ. Today, it continues to express both our future hope and present responsibility as those called to royal priesthood.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμβασιλεύω, symbasileuō, /soom-bas-il-YOO-oh/
• Pronunciation: soom-bas-il-YOO-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• βασιλεύω (basileuō): verb meaning “to reign as king”
• The combination expresses joint kingship

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To reign together with
2. To share royal power
3. To participate in kingship
4. To rule jointly

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint participation
• βασιλεύω (basileuō): conveys royal rule
  Together they express shared royal authority

Translation Options:

1. “Reign together” – Emphasizes joint rule
2. “Co-reign” – Highlights partnership aspect
3. “Share kingship” – Captures participatory nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βασιλεύω (basileuō) /bas-il-YOO-oh/ – basic word for reigning. See G936
• συγκληρονομέω (synklēronomeō) /soong-klay-ron-om-EH-oh/ – emphasizes joint inheritance. See G4789
• συνδοξάζω (syndoxazō) /soon-dox-AD-zo/ – stresses shared glory. See G4888

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), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: συμβασιλεύω – I am reigning with
• Future Active: συμβασιλεύσω – I will reign with
• Aorist Active: συνεβασίλευσα – I reigned with

Cross-references:

• Noun: συμβασιλεία (symbasileia)
• Adjective: συμβασιλικός (symbasilikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its eschatological significance. Thayer’s notes its connection to believers’ ultimate destiny. LSJ provides examples from political contexts. Vine’s highlights Paul’s ironic usage. Strong’s connects it to joint kingship. LEH discusses similar concepts in Jewish literature. Moulton and Milligan show its rare usage outside Christian contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 4:8 “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did [reign] {συμβασιλεύω}, so that we might [reign with] {συμβασιλεύω} you!”

Additional References:
2 Timothy 2:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συμβασιλεύω powerfully expresses our destiny in the Messiah. It promotes the good news by revealing that through King Jesus, we are not just saved from sin but elevated to share in His royal reign. This both humbles us in the present and fills us with hope for the future.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term was rarely used in secular Greek, making its Christian usage distinctive.
2. Early Christian martyrs drew strength from this promise of future co-regency.
3. The concept influenced medieval Christian views of earthly kingship.

Strong’s G4821: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βασιλεύω (to reign), meaning “to reign together with.” In Pauline usage, it describes the profound theological concept of believers sharing in the Messiah’s reign, both present and eschatological.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: reign, kingship, co-regency, eschatology, paul, corinthians, timothy, royal-priesthood, future-glory, joint-rule, messianic-kingdom, christian-destiny​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​