Brief Overview of συμπάρειμι (Strong’s G4840: sympareimi)

Strong’s G4840: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and πάρειμι (to be present), meaning “to be present together with.” Used in formal settings to describe official gatherings, particularly in Acts where it denotes the collective presence of people at legal proceedings.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπάρειμι represents the concept of collective presence, particularly in formal or official settings. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with being present (πάρειμι) to express joint attendance or gathering. In the New Testament, it appears in the context of Paul’s trial, highlighting the public and official nature of legal proceedings. The early church recognized this term’s significance in demonstrating the public nature of key events in Christian history. Today, it reminds us that the gospel story unfolded in real historical contexts with multiple witnesses present.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπάρειμι, sympareimi, /soom-par-ay-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – PAR (stressed) – ay – mee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: πάρειμι (pareimi) meaning “to be present”
• From παρά (para, beside) and εἰμί (eimi, to be)
• Base meaning: “to be present together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be present together
• To be assembled with
• To attend collectively

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint presence
The root πάρειμι contributes the concept of being present
Together they express collective attendance

Translation Options:

1. To be present together – Most literal translation
2. To be assembled with – Emphasizes the gathering aspect
3. To attend jointly – Stresses the collective nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πάρειμι (pareimi) /par-ay-mee/ – to be present – See G3918
• συνέρχομαι (sunerchomai) /soon-er-khom-ahee/ – to come together – See G4905
• παρίστημι (paristemi) /par-is-tay-mee/ – to stand beside – See G3936

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present state)

Example English morphing:
Present: am/are present with
Future: will be present with
Past: was/were present with
Participle: being present with

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

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in formal or official contexts. Thayer’s highlights the collective nature of the presence. LSJ notes its frequent use in legal and administrative settings. Vine’s connects it to public gatherings. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the joint presence. Moulton and Milligan document its use in official proceedings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are [συμπάρειμι] here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me Acts 25:24

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπάρειμι powerfully reminds us that the gospel story unfolded in real historical settings with multiple witnesses. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus was tried, crucified, and rose again in public view, with many witnesses present. This word emphasizes that our faith is grounded in historical events that occurred before many observers.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears at a crucial moment in Acts during Paul’s defense before King Agrippa.
2. Its use in legal contexts emphasizes the public nature of early Christian proclamation.
3. The term was commonly used in Greek administrative and legal documents to record official attendance.

Strong’s G4840: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and πάρειμι (to be present), meaning “to be present together with.” Used in formal settings to describe official gatherings, particularly in Acts where it denotes the collective presence of people at legal proceedings.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: presence, assembly, gathering, witness, legal-proceedings, public-testimony, history, official-events, collective-presence, trials, witness-bearing, historical-record​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​