Brief Overview of συμπαρακαλέω (Strong’s G4837: symparakaleo)

Strong’s G4837: A compound verb combining συν- (with), παρα- (beside), and καλέω (to call), meaning “to encourage together with, to be mutually encouraged.” Used to describe reciprocal spiritual encouragement among believers, emphasizing the mutual nature of comfort and exhortation.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπαρακαλέω represents the beautiful concept of mutual encouragement within the body of believers. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-), close presence (παρα-), and calling/encouraging (καλέω) to express the reciprocal nature of spiritual encouragement. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe the mutual benefit of fellowship between believers, emphasizing that encouragement flows both ways. The early church understood this term as fundamental to Christian fellowship, recognizing that even apostles and leaders both give and receive encouragement. Today, it challenges our often hierarchical view of ministry, reminding us that spiritual encouragement is meant to be mutual and reciprocal.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπαρακαλέω, symparakaleo, /soom-par-ak-al-eh-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – par (unstressed) – ak (unstressed) – al (stressed) – eh – oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• First prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Second prefix: παρα- (para-) meaning “beside, alongside”
• Root word: καλέω (kaleo) meaning “to call, summon”
• Verbal suffix: -έω (-eo) indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To encourage mutually
• To be comforted together
• To exhort reciprocally

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint participation
The prefix παρα- adds intimacy of relationship
The root καλέω contributes the concept of calling/encouraging
Together they express mutual, intimate encouragement

Translation Options:

1. To be mutually encouraged – Best captures the reciprocal nature
2. To encourage one another – Emphasizes the mutual action
3. To share encouragement – Highlights the communal aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρακαλέω (parakaleo) /par-ak-al-eh-oh/ – to encourage/comfort – See G3870
• συμπαραμένω (parameno) /soom-par-am-en-o/ – to remain with – See G4839
• παραμυθέομαι (paramytheomai) /par-am-oo-theh-om-ahee/ – to comfort – See G3888

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Example English morphing:
Present: encourage mutually
Future: will encourage mutually
Past: encouraged mutually
Participle: mutually encouraging

• Cross-references include the noun παράκλησις (encouragement) and παράκλητος (comforter)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in describing reciprocal spiritual encouragement. Thayer’s highlights the compound nature suggesting mutual benefit. LSJ notes its rare usage outside biblical literature. Vine’s connects it to the ministry of mutual edification. Strong’s emphasizes the togetherness aspect. Moulton and Milligan observe its special Christian usage in describing community life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

that is, that I may be [συμπαρακαλέω] mutually encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Romans 1:12

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπαρακαλέω beautifully captures the mutual nature of Christian encouragement. It proclaims the good news that in King Jesus’s kingdom, we’re all both givers and receivers of encouragement, regardless of our role or status. This word reminds us that true Christian fellowship involves reciprocal spiritual strengthening, reflecting the mutual care within the body of the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. Paul used this word to describe his relationship with the Roman church, showing his humility in receiving encouragement from them.
2. The triple compound nature of the word (three parts) is rare in New Testament Greek.
3. The concept challenged ancient hierarchical views of spiritual leadership.

Strong’s G4837: A compound verb combining συν- (with), παρα- (beside), and καλέω (to call), meaning “to encourage together with, to be mutually encouraged.” Used to describe reciprocal spiritual encouragement among believers, emphasizing the mutual nature of comfort and exhortation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: encouragement, mutual-edification, fellowship, comfort, reciprocal-ministry, community, spiritual-growth, exhortation, body-of-christ, unity, leadership, mutual-care​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​