Brief Overview of συνέπομαι (Strong’s G4902: synepomai)

Strong’s G4902: A compound verb combining σύν (together) and ἕπομαι (to follow), meaning to accompany or follow together with. In NT usage, describes those who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys, emphasizing committed companionship in gospel ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνέπομαι represents the concept of committed accompaniment in ministry. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together) with ἕπομαι (to follow), creating a term that describes purposeful companionship. In its sole New Testament appearance in Acts 20:4, it describes Paul’s missionary companions who traveled with him to Asia. The early church understood this term as expressing more than mere physical accompaniment – it represented partnership in ministry and shared commitment to the gospel. Today, this word continues to illustrate the importance of partnership and mutual support in Christian ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνέπομαι, synepomai, /sün-ep’-om-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-EP-oh-my (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἕπομαι (hepomai): verb meaning “to follow”
• The combination creates the meaning “to follow together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To accompany on a journey
2. To follow along with
3. To travel together as companions

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared experience
• ἕπομαι (hepomai): Provides the core meaning of following
• Together they express committed companionship

Translation Options:

1. “Accompany” – Best captures the companionship aspect
2. “Travel with” – Emphasizes the journey element
3. “Follow together” – Highlights the shared commitment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, /ak-ol-oo-theh’-o/) – See G190: To follow
• συμπορεύομαι (symporeuomai, /soom-por-yoo’-om-ahee/) – See G4848: To journey together
• συνοδεύω (synodeuō, /soon-od-yoo’-o/) – See G4922: To travel with

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Middle: συνέπομαι (I accompany)
• Present Participle: συνεπόμενος (accompanying)
• Imperfect: συνειπόμην (was accompanying)
• Cross-references: συνοδία (synodia) – related noun meaning “traveling company”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use for committed companionship. Thayer’s notes its application to missionary travels. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various types of accompaniment. Vine’s highlights its significance in ministry contexts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of following together. Moulton and Milligan document its use in travel documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And there accompanied [συνέπομαι] him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.” Acts 20:4

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνέπομαι beautifully captures the essence of Christian partnership in ministry. The good news of King Jesus spreads through committed companions who journey together, supporting and encouraging one another. Just as Paul’s companions shared in his missionary work, we too are called to accompany one another in spreading the gospel.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient travel documents for official companions
2. Applied in military contexts for loyal followers
3. Early church used it to describe missionary partnerships

Strong’s G4902: A compound verb joining “together” (σύν) with “to follow” (ἕπομαι), expressing committed companionship. Its single NT use describes missionary companions traveling together, emphasizing partnership in gospel ministry.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: companionship, missionary work, partnership, travel, ministry, accompaniment, following, loyalty, support, teamwork​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​