Brief Overview of συνεπιμαρτυρέω (Strong’s G4901: synepimartyreō)

Strong’s G4901: A compound verb combining σύν (together), ἐπί (upon), and μαρτυρέω (to witness), meaning to join in bearing witness or to testify together additionally. In NT usage, describes God’s confirmatory witness through signs and wonders to the gospel message.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνεπιμαρτυρέω represents a powerful concept of divine confirmation through testimony. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together), ἐπί (upon), and μαρτυρέω (to witness), creating a term that describes additional supporting testimony. In its sole New Testament appearance in Hebrews 2:4, it describes God’s confirmatory witness to the gospel through signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The early church understood this term as expressing the divine authentication of apostolic ministry. Today, this word continues to remind us that God confirms His Word through various forms of testimony.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνεπιμαρτυρέω, synepimartyreō, /sün-ep-ee-mar-tü-reh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-ep-ee-mar-tee-REH-oh (stress on second-to-last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἐπί (epi): preposition meaning “upon”
• μαρτυρέω (martyreō): verb meaning “to witness”
• The combination creates the meaning “to bear witness together additionally”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To join in bearing witness
2. To add confirming testimony
3. To provide additional evidence

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Adds concept of joint testimony
• ἐπί (epi): Indicates additional nature
• μαρτυρέω (martyreō): Provides core meaning of witnessing

Translation Options:

1. “Bear witness together” – Best captures collaborative aspect
2. “Confirm additionally” – Emphasizes supplementary nature
3. “Testify in support” – Highlights confirmatory role

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μαρτυρέω (martyreō, /mar-tü-reh’-o/) – See G3140: Basic term for witnessing
• συμμαρτυρέω (symmartyreō, /süm-mar-tü-reh’-o/) – See G4828: To witness jointly
• ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyreō, /ep-ee-mar-tü-reh’-o/) – See G1957: To testify further

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνεπιμαρτυρέω (I bear witness together)
• Present Participle: συνεπιμαρτυρῶν (bearing witness together)
• Imperfect: συνεπιμαρτύρουν (was bearing witness together)
• Cross-references: συνεπιμαρτυρία (synepimartyria) – related noun meaning “joint testimony”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use for divine confirmation. Thayer’s notes its unique compound nature and confirmatory function. LSJ provides examples showing additional testimony contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in divine authentication. Strong’s connects it to joint witness-bearing. Moulton and Milligan document its rare usage in legal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“God also bearing them witness [συνεπιμαρτυρέω], both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?” Hebrews 2:4

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνεπιμαρτυρέω reminds us that God actively confirms His Word through multiple witnesses. The good news of King Jesus isn’t merely proclaimed but authenticated by divine testimony through signs, wonders, and the Holy Spirit’s gifts. This word encourages us that God continues to validate His message through various forms of confirming evidence.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient legal documents for corroborating testimony
2. One of the longest compound verbs in the NT
3. Influenced early church language about miraculous confirmation of the gospel

Strong’s G4901: A compound verb combining three elements to express additional confirming testimony. Its single NT use describes God’s supernatural authentication of the gospel message through signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: witness, testimony, confirmation, divine authentication, signs, wonders, miracles, Holy Spirit, evidence, validation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​