Brief Overview of συμπαραγίνομαι (Strong’s G4836: symparaginomai)

Strong’s G4836: A compound verb combining συν- (with), παρα- (beside), and γίνομαι (to become/be), meaning “to come together with, to assemble together at a place.” Used to describe gathering of crowds, particularly in the context of the Messiah’s crucifixion.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπαραγίνομαι represents the act of coming together or assembling with others at a specific location. As a compound word, it combines the concepts of togetherness (συν-), proximity (παρα-), and becoming/being present (γίνομαι) to express purposeful gathering. In the New Testament, it appears significantly in describing the crowds gathering at the Messiah’s crucifixion, emphasizing the public nature of His death and the witness of many. The early church saw this term as important in understanding the historical reality and public nature of the crucifixion. Today, it reminds us of the historical reality of the Messiah’s death and its impact on those who witnessed it.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπαραγίνομαι, symparaginomai, /soom-par-ag-in-om-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – par (unstressed) – AG (stressed) – in – om – ahee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• First prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Second prefix: παρα- (para-) meaning “beside, near”
• Root word: γίνομαι (ginomai) meaning “to become, be”
• Deponent middle/passive form

D – Defining Meanings

• To come together with
• To assemble at a place
• To arrive together

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action
The prefix παρα- adds the sense of physical proximity
The root γίνομαι contributes the concept of becoming present
Together they express coordinated arrival or gathering

Translation Options:

1. To gather together – Emphasizes the collective aspect
2. To come together at – Stresses the locational aspect
3. To assemble with – Highlights both collective and purposeful aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνέρχομαι (sunerchomai) /soon-er-khom-ahee/ – to come together – See G4905
• παραγίνομαι (paraginomai) /par-ag-in-om-ahee/ – to come, arrive – See G3854
• συνάγω (sunago) /soon-ag-o/ – to gather together – See G4863

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive (Deponent)
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example English morphing:
Present: gather together
Aorist: gathered together
Perfect: have gathered together
Participle: gathering together

• Cross-references include the noun συμπαρουσία (joint presence) and παρουσία (presence)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for purposeful gathering at significant events. Thayer’s highlights the compound nature suggesting coordinated arrival. LSJ notes its use in describing public assemblies. Vine’s connects it to witnessing significant events. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the gathering implied. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing official gatherings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And the whole crowd who [συμπαραγίνομαι] came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. Luke 23:48

Additional References:
2 Timothy 4:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπαραγίνομαι powerfully captures the historical reality of people gathering to witness crucial events in salvation history. At the cross, it reminds us that the death of King Jesus was a public event, witnessed by many who were profoundly affected. This word proclaims the good news that our faith is grounded in historical events with real witnesses.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears at a crucial moment in Luke’s passion narrative, emphasizing the public nature of the crucifixion.
2. Its compound structure suggests not just random gathering but purposeful assembly.
3. Early Christian apologetics used this concept to emphasize the historical reliability of the crucifixion account.

Strong’s G4836: A compound verb combining συν- (with), παρα- (beside), and γίνομαι (to become/be), meaning “to come together with, to assemble together at a place.” Used to describe gathering of crowds, particularly in the context of the Messiah’s crucifixion.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, assembly, witness, crucifixion, public-event, historical-event, crowds, presence, coming-together, testimony, historical-witness, collective-experience​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​