Brief Overview of συνεργός (Strong’s G4904: synergos)

Strong’s G4904: A compound noun combining σύν (together) and ἔργον (work), meaning fellow worker or co-laborer. In NT usage, describes ministry partners and those who work together in gospel service, emphasizing collaborative effort in Kingdom work.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνεργός represents a vital concept of partnership in ministry. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together) and ἔργον (work), creating a term that describes those who labor together in shared purpose. In its numerous New Testament appearances, it describes both human partnerships in ministry and the privilege of being God’s fellow workers. Paul frequently uses this term to honor his ministry companions, as in Romans 16:3 where he recognizes Priscilla and Aquila as his fellow workers in the Messiah Jesus. The early church embraced this term as expressing the collaborative nature of gospel ministry. Today, this word continues to remind us that ministry is inherently collaborative, requiring partnership both with God and fellow believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνεργός, synergos, /soon-er-gos’/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-er-GOSS (stress on last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun/Adjective (used substantively)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἔργον (ergon): noun meaning “work”
• The combination creates the meaning “one who works together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Fellow worker
2. Co-laborer
3. Ministry partner

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes joint participation
• ἔργον (ergon): Provides the concept of work/labor
• Together they express active partnership

Translation Options:

1. “Fellow worker” – Best captures both relationship and function
2. “Co-laborer” – Emphasizes equal partnership
3. “Ministry partner” – Highlights shared purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διάκονος (diakonos, /dee-ak’-on-os/) – See G1249: Servant/minister
• συνδουλος (syndoulos, /soon’-doo-los/) – See G4889: Fellow servant
• ὑπηρέτης (hypēretēs, /hoop-ay-ret’-ace/) – See G5257: Assistant/helper

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνεργός
• Genitive singular: συνεργοῦ
• Dative singular: συνεργῷ
• Accusative singular: συνεργόν
• Cross-references: συνεργέω (synergeō) – related verb meaning “to work together”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in ministry contexts. Thayer’s notes its application to both divine-human and human-human partnerships. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various types of working relationships. Vine’s highlights its frequent use in Paul’s letters. Strong’s connects it to the concept of collaborative labor. Moulton and Milligan document its use in business partnerships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers [συνεργός] in the Messiah Jesus.” Romans 16:3

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Philippians 2:25, Colossians 4:11, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, Philemon 1:1, Philemon 1:24

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνεργός beautifully captures the collaborative nature of Kingdom work. The good news of King Jesus spreads through partnerships – both with God and fellow believers. This word reminds us that we are not lone workers but co-laborers with God and each other, each playing vital roles in His redemptive mission.

D – Did You Know?

1. Paul uses this term more than any other NT writer
2. Applied to both men and women in ministry leadership
3. Influenced early church structure of team ministry

Strong’s G4904: A compound noun combining “together” (σύν) with “work” (ἔργον), describing fellow workers or co-laborers. Used extensively in NT for ministry partnerships and collaborative gospel work, emphasizing shared mission in God’s service.

Part of speech: Noun/Adjective

Tags: partnership, ministry, collaboration, teamwork, co-labor, fellow worker, service, mission, leadership, gospel work​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​