Brief Overview of συνεργέω (Strong’s G4903: synergeō)

Strong’s G4903: A compound verb combining σύν (together) and ἔργον (work), meaning to work together, cooperate, or be a fellow worker. In NT usage, describes both divine-human partnership and collaborative ministry efforts, emphasizing productive cooperation in Kingdom work.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνεργέω represents a profound concept of cooperative work and partnership. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together) with ἔργον (work), creating a term that describes purposeful collaboration. In the New Testament, it appears in significant contexts like Mark 16:20 where it describes the Lord working together with His disciples, and Romans 8:28 describing God’s sovereign working together of all things for good. The early church understood this term as expressing both divine-human partnership and collaborative ministry. Today, this word continues to teach us about God’s collaborative work with His people and our need to work together in ministry.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνεργέω, synergeō, /sün-erg-eh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-er-GEH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἔργον (ergon): noun meaning “work”
• The combination creates the meaning “to work together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To work together
2. To cooperate with
3. To assist in work

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes joint effort
• ἔργον (ergon): Provides the core meaning of work/action
• Together they express productive collaboration

Translation Options:

1. “Work together” – Best captures the collaborative aspect
2. “Cooperate” – Emphasizes mutual effort
3. “Partner with” – Highlights relationship in work

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, /er-gad’-zom-ahee/) – See G2038: To work
• συνεργός (synergos, /soon-er-gos’/) – See G4904: Fellow worker
• συμπράσσω (symprassō, /soom-pras’-so/) – See G4238: To help in doing

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνεργῶ (I work together)
• Present Participle: συνεργῶν (working together)
• Aorist Active: συνήργησα (I worked together)
• Cross-references: συνεργία (synergia) – related noun meaning “cooperation”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both divine-human cooperation and human partnership. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of purposeful collaboration. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various types of joint work. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in divine operation. Strong’s connects it to effective partnership. Moulton and Milligan document its use in business partnerships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [συνεργέω] them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:20

Additional References:
Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 16:16, 2 Corinthians 6:1, James 2:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνεργέω beautifully captures the partnership between God and His people in Kingdom work. The good news of King Jesus involves both divine initiative and human participation, working together for God’s purposes. This word reminds us that we are called to be God’s fellow workers, cooperating with His Spirit in spreading the gospel.

D – Did You Know?

1. Source of the English word “synergy”
2. Used in ancient business contracts for partnerships
3. Early church fathers used it to describe sacramental cooperation with grace

Strong’s G4903: A compound verb joining “together” (σύν) with “work” (ἔργον), expressing collaborative effort. Used in NT for both divine-human cooperation and ministry partnerships, emphasizing productive working together in God’s purposes.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: cooperation, partnership, collaboration, teamwork, ministry, divine-human partnership, working together, synergy, joint effort, Kingdom work​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​