Brief Overview of συνεφίστημι (Strong’s G4911: synephistēmi)

Strong’s G4911: A compound verb combining σύν (together), ἐπί (upon), and ἵστημι (to stand), meaning to rise up together against. In NT usage, describes collective hostile action, particularly mob violence against early Christians.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνεφίστημι represents coordinated opposition or hostility. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together), ἐπί (upon), and ἵστημι (to stand), creating a term that describes people joining forces in opposition. In its only New Testament appearance in Acts 16:22, it describes a crowd rising up together against Paul and Silas. The early church understood this term as expressing organized persecution. Today, this word continues to remind us of the reality of collective opposition to the gospel and the need for steadfastness in faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνεφίστημι, synephistēmi, /sün-ef-is’-tay-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-ef-IS-tay-mee (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἐπί (epi): preposition meaning “upon”
• ἵστημι (histēmi): verb meaning “to stand”
• The combination creates the meaning “to stand together against”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To rise up together against
2. To join in attacking
3. To unite in opposition

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes collective action
• ἐπί (epi): Indicates direction/purpose
• ἵστημι (histēmi): Provides core meaning of standing

Translation Options:

1. “Rise up together against” – Best captures collective hostile action
2. “Join forces against” – Emphasizes unified opposition
3. “Stand together against” – Highlights collective resistance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi, /ef-is’-tay-mee/) – See G2186: To stand upon/against
• συνίστημι (synistēmi, /soon-is’-tay-mee/) – See G4921: To stand with
• ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi, /anth-is’-tay-mee/) – See G436: To withstand

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• Aorist Active: συνεπέστην (I rose up together)
• Present Active: συνεφίστημι (I rise up together)
• Perfect Active: συνεφέστηκα (I have risen up together)
• Cross-references: σύστασις (systasis) – related noun meaning “joint opposition”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of hostile collective action. Thayer’s notes its application to mob violence. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing organized opposition. Vine’s highlights its single NT usage in Acts. Strong’s connects it to joint hostile action. Moulton and Milligan document its use in descriptions of civil unrest.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And the multitude rose up together [συνεφίστημι] against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.” Acts 16:22

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνεφίστημι reminds us that opposition to the gospel often comes through organized resistance. Yet the good news of King Jesus prevails despite such opposition. As Paul and Silas experienced persecution but remained faithful, this word encourages believers to stand firm when facing collective hostility.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in military contexts for coordinated attacks
2. Appears in ancient accounts of civil uprisings
3. Early church used it to describe systematic persecution

Strong’s G4911: A compound verb expressing collective hostile action. Its single NT use describes organized opposition to gospel proclamation, highlighting the reality of persecution faced by early Christians.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: opposition, persecution, resistance, collective action, hostility, mob violence, uprising, opposition to gospel, persecution of Christians, collective resistance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​