Brief Overview of συνεκλεκτός (Strong’s G4899: syneklektos)

Strong’s G4899: A compound adjective combining σύν (together with) and ἐκλεκτός (chosen/elect), meaning elected or chosen together with. In NT usage, describes the shared election of believers in the Messiah, emphasizing the corporate nature of God’s calling.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνεκλεκτός represents a profound theological concept of shared divine election. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together with) and ἐκλεκτός (chosen), expressing the collective nature of God’s calling. In its sole New Testament appearance in 1 Peter 5:13, it describes the church community as jointly chosen by God. The early church understood this term as emphasizing the corporate nature of salvation and divine election. Today, this word continues to remind us that our election in the Messiah is not merely individual but connects us to the larger body of believers across time and space.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνεκλεκτός, syneklektos, /sün-ek-lek-tos’/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-ek-LEK-toss (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together with”
• ἐκ (ek): preposition meaning “out of”
• λέγω (legō): verb meaning “to choose”
• -τός (-tos): adjectival suffix indicating state or condition
• The combination creates the meaning “chosen together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Chosen together with
2. Jointly elected
3. Co-elect

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared status
• ἐκλεκτός (eklektos): Provides the concept of divine selection
• Together they express collective divine choice

Translation Options:

1. “Co-elect” – Best captures both election and unity
2. “Fellow chosen” – Emphasizes shared status
3. “Jointly chosen” – Highlights collective selection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκλεκτός (eklektos, /ek-lek-tos’/) – See G1588: Chosen, elect
• συγκληρονόμος (synklēronomos, /soong-klay-ron-om’-os/) – See G4789: Joint-heir
• συμμέτοχος (symmetochos, /soom-met’-okh-os/) – See G4830: Co-participant

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Degree: Positive

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular feminine: συνεκλεκτή
• Genitive singular feminine: συνεκλεκτῆς
• Dative singular feminine: συνεκλεκτῇ
• Accusative singular feminine: συνεκλεκτήν
• Cross-references: συνεκλέγω (syneklegō) – related verb meaning “to choose together”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in expressing shared divine election. Thayer’s notes its unique appearance in 1 Peter. LSJ provides limited classical usage due to its rare occurrence. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in expressing corporate election. Strong’s connects it to the concept of being chosen together. Moulton and Milligan note its specialized Christian usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“The church that is at Babylon, elected together with [συνεκλεκτός] you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.” 1 Peter 5:13

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνεκλεκτός beautifully expresses the corporate nature of our salvation in the Messiah. The good news is that God has not only chosen us individually but has called us into a community of the elect. This word reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves – a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation belonging to God.

D – Did You Know?

1. One of few NT words specifically created by early Christians
2. Used in early church documents for baptismal formulas
3. Influenced development of theological concepts of corporate election

Strong’s G4899: A compound adjective combining “together with” (σύν) and “chosen” (ἐκλεκτός), expressing shared divine election. Its single NT use emphasizes the corporate nature of God’s calling and the unity of believers in their election.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: election, chosen, corporate salvation, unity, community, divine calling, church identity, fellowship, shared calling, collective election​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​