Brief Overview of συμμιμητής (Strong’s G4831: symmimetes)

Strong’s G4831: A compound noun combining συν- (with, together) and μιμητής (imitator), meaning “fellow imitator, joint follower.” Used in the context of communal discipleship, emphasizing the collective nature of following godly examples in the faith community.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμμιμητής represents a powerful concept of collective spiritual imitation. As a compound word, it combines the ideas of togetherness (συν-) with imitation (μιμητής) to express the communal nature of discipleship. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to encourage believers to join together in following Christ-like examples. The early church understood this term as fundamental to their identity as a community that collectively imitated the Messiah and His faithful servants. Today, it continues to challenge our individualistic tendencies, reminding us that authentic discipleship happens in community as we follow godly examples together.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμμιμητής, symmimetes, /soom-mim-ay-tace/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – MIM (stressed) – ay – tace
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: μιμητής (mimetes) meaning “imitator”
• Root verb: μιμέομαι (mimeomai) meaning “to imitate”
• Suffix: -της (-tes) indicating agent noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Fellow imitator
• Joint follower
• Co-mimicker

For compound words:
The prefix συν- emphasizes collective action
The root μιμητής contributes the concept of imitation
Together they express unified imitation or following

Translation Options:

1. Fellow imitator – Most literal, preserving both components
2. Joint follower – Emphasizes the collective following aspect
3. Co-disciple – Captures the discipleship implications

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μιμητής (mimetes) /mim-ay-tace/ – simple imitator without the collective aspect – See G3402
• συμμαθητής (symmethetes) /soom-math-ay-tace/ – fellow disciple – See G4827
• ἀκόλουθος (akolouthos) /ak-ol-oo-thos/ – follower – See G190

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First declension

In English, the word would change as follows:
Nominative: fellow imitator
Genitive: fellow imitator’s
Dative: to/for the fellow imitator
Accusative: fellow imitator (as object)
Plural forms would add -s

• Cross-references include the verb συμμιμέομαι (to imitate together) and the abstract noun συμμίμησις (joint imitation)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in Philippians and its connection to communal discipleship. Thayer’s highlights its compound nature and significance in corporate spirituality. LSJ notes its rarity in classical literature. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of discipleship in the New Testament. Strong’s emphasizes the joint nature of the imitation. Moulton and Milligan note its distinctively Christian usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Brethren, be [συμμιμητής] fellow imitators of me, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. Philippians 3:17

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμμιμητής beautifully captures the communal nature of Christian discipleship. It reminds us that following King Jesus isn’t a solo journey but a collective pursuit where we imitate godly examples together. This word proclaims the good news that in the Messiah’s kingdom, we’re called to grow together, following His pattern and supporting one another in becoming more like Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. συμμιμητής is a uniquely Pauline term, appearing only once in the New Testament.
2. The word emphasizes both vertical (toward godly examples) and horizontal (with fellow believers) relationships in discipleship.
3. Its usage challenged both Jewish and Greek notions of individual spiritual achievement.

Strong’s G4831: A compound noun combining συν- (with, together) and μιμητής (imitator), meaning “fellow imitator, joint follower.” Used in the context of communal discipleship, emphasizing the collective nature of following godly examples in the faith community.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: discipleship, imitation, community, following, example, collective-growth, spiritual-formation, mentorship, fellowship, pattern, leadership, spiritual-growth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​