Brief Overview of συνδοξάζω (Strong’s G4888: syndoxazō)

Strong’s G4888: A compound verb combining σύν (together with) and δοξάζω (to glorify), meaning to glorify together with or to join in glorifying. Used uniquely in Romans to express the shared future glorification of believers with the Messiah, emphasizing participation in His glory.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνδοξάζω represents a profound theological concept in the New Testament, particularly in Pauline theology. As a compound word, it combines the prefix σύν (together with) and δοξάζω (to glorify), creating a powerful expression of shared glorification. Its singular use in Romans 8:17 carries immense theological weight, pointing to believers’ future participation in the Messiah’s glory. The early church understood this term as expressing the ultimate destiny of believers – not merely observing the Messiah’s glory but actually sharing in it. This concept remains transformative today, offering hope and perspective on present sufferings in light of future glory.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνδοξάζω, syndoxazō, /sün-dox-ad’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOON-dox-AD-zoh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together with”
• δοξάζω (doxazō): verb meaning “to glorify”
• The combination creates the meaning “to glorify together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To glorify together with someone
2. To share in someone’s glory
3. To be exalted together

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Adds the concept of joint participation and shared experience
• δοξάζω (doxazō): Provides the core meaning of glorification and honor
• Together they emphasize mutual participation in glory

Translation Options:

1. “Glorify together” – Best captures the joint nature of the action
2. “Share in glory” – Emphasizes the participatory aspect
3. “Be co-glorified” – Highlights the unity with the Messiah in glorification

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δοξάζω (doxazō, /dox-ad’-zo/) – See G1392: Simple form meaning “to glorify”
• συμβασιλεύω (symbasileuō, /soom-bas-il-yoo’-o/) – See G4821: To reign together with
• συγκληρονόμος (synklēronomos, /soong-klay-ron-om’-os/) – See G4789: Joint-heir

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Present Passive: συνδοξάζομαι (I am being glorified together)
• Future Passive: συνδοξασθήσομαι (I will be glorified together)
• Aorist Passive Subjunctive: συνδοξασθῶ (I might be glorified together)
• Cross-references: δόξα (doxa) – related noun meaning “glory”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes this word’s unique theological significance in expressing believers’ future glorification with the Messiah. Thayer’s notes its exclusive use in Romans and its connection to future resurrection glory. LSJ provides limited classical usage, highlighting its rarity. Vine’s emphasizes its connection to suffering and subsequent glory. Strong’s connects it to the concept of joint glorification. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in papyri, making its theological usage particularly significant.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with the Messiah; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together [συνδοξάζω] with Him.” Romans 8:17

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνδοξάζω encapsulates one of the most profound promises of the gospel – that believers will share in the Messiah’s glory. This isn’t merely about witnessing His glory but actually participating in it. The good news of King Jesus includes not just salvation from sin but elevation to shared glory with Him. This future hope gives meaning to present sufferings and motivates faithful endurance.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears only once in the New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon
2. It’s one of several “συν-” compound words in Romans 8 emphasizing believers’ union with the Messiah
3. Early church fathers frequently used this term to describe the final state of the redeemed

Strong’s G4888: A compound verb combining “together with” (σύν) and “to glorify” (δοξάζω), expressing the future glorification of believers with the Messiah. Its single NT use in Romans 8:17 connects suffering with the Messiah to future glory with Him.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: glory, glorification, suffering, inheritance, union with Messiah, future glory, resurrection, eternal life, joint-heir, transformation, eschatology, hope​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​