Brief Overview of συναναπαύομαι (Strong’s G4875: sunanapauomai)

Strong’s G4875: A compound verb combining σύν (with), ἀνά (up/again), and παύομαι (to rest), meaning to rest together with, to be refreshed in company with others. In NT usage, it describes mutual spiritual refreshment in Christian fellowship.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναναπαύομαι represents a beautiful concept of shared spiritual rest and mutual refreshment. As a compound word, it combines togetherness with the idea of complete rest or refreshment, creating a term that describes the deep renewal found in Christian fellowship. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term to express his desire for mutual encouragement and spiritual refreshment with the Roman believers. The early church understood this term as describing the reciprocal nature of Christian fellowship, where both parties are renewed and strengthened. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian community and the mutual edification that should characterize our gatherings.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναναπαύομαι, sunanapauomai, /soon-an-a-POW-oh-my/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + an (as in ‘on’) + a (as in ‘up’) + POW (as in ‘now’) + oh + my (as in ‘my’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἀνά (ana): prefix meaning “up, again”
• παύομαι (pauomai): root verb meaning “to cease, rest”

D – Defining Meanings

• To rest together with
• To be refreshed in company with others
• To find mutual spiritual renewal
• To experience shared rest
• To be mutually encouraged

For compound words:
σύν adds the aspect of togetherness, ἀνά intensifies the action, and παύομαι contributes the concept of rest or cessation, creating a word that describes complete mutual refreshment.

Translation Options:

1. “To rest together” – Emphasizes the shared nature of the rest
2. “To be mutually refreshed” – Captures the reciprocal benefit
3. “To find renewal together” – Highlights the spiritual refreshment aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀναπαύω (anapauō) /an-a-POW-oh/ – to give rest, refresh individually. See G373
• καταπαύω (katapauō) /kat-a-POW-oh/ – to cause to rest, settle down. See G2664
• συνησυχάζω (synēsychazō) /soon-ay-soo-KHAD-zoh/ – to rest quietly together. See G4879

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Perfective (aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• Aorist Subjunctive: συναναπαύσωμαι (I might rest together)
• Present Middle: συναναπαύομαι (I am resting together)
• Future Middle: συναναπαύσομαι (I will rest together)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the mutual nature of the refreshment. Thayer’s notes its use in describing spiritual fellowship. LSJ provides evidence of use in describing shared rest. Vine’s connects it to Christian fellowship. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of joint rest. LEH notes its use in describing mutual encouragement. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its use in describing shared hospitality.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Romans 15:32: “that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together [συναναπαύσωμαι] with you.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναναπαύομαι beautifully captures the essence of Christian fellowship as mutual spiritual refreshment. The good news of King Jesus brings not just individual rest but communal renewal. This word reminds us that true Christian fellowship involves both giving and receiving refreshment, as we share in the rest that our Messiah provides. It points to the deep renewal found when believers gather in His name.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul’s letter to the Romans
2. It was used in ancient hospitality contexts to describe guests refreshing each other
3. Early church fathers used this term to describe the mutual encouragement in house churches

Strong’s G4875: A compound verb combining σύν (with), ἀνά (up/again), and παύομαι (to rest), meaning to rest together with, to be refreshed in company with others. In NT usage, it describes mutual spiritual refreshment in Christian fellowship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: rest, refreshment, fellowship, mutual encouragement, spiritual renewal, Christian community, companionship, shared rest, hospitality, spiritual refreshing, community life, Christian fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​