Brief Overview of συνηλικιώτης (Strong’s G4915: synēlikiōtēs)

Strong’s G4915: A compound noun combining σύν (together with) and ἡλικία (age), meaning contemporary or person of the same age. In NT usage, appears once in Paul’s testimony describing his advancement among his age-peers in Judaism.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνηλικιώτης represents a person of the same age or contemporary. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together with) and ἡλικία (age), creating a term that specifically describes peers or contemporaries. In its sole New Testament appearance in Galatians 1:14, Paul uses it to compare his zeal for Judaism with that of his contemporaries. The early church understood this term as expressing peer relationships and generational identity. Today, this word helps us understand the social and cultural dynamics of spiritual development within generational contexts.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνηλικιώτης, synēlikiōtēs, /sün-ay-lik-ee-o’-tace/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-ay-lik-ee-OH-tace (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together with”
• ἡλικία (hēlikia): noun meaning “age”
• -της (-tēs): suffix forming agent nouns
• The combination creates the meaning “one of the same age”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Contemporary
2. Age-peer
3. Person of same generation

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared characteristic
• ἡλικία (hēlikia): Provides the age aspect
• -της (-tēs): Makes it a personal noun

Translation Options:

1. “Contemporary” – Best captures peer relationship
2. “Age-mate” – Emphasizes same-age aspect
3. “Peer” – Highlights generational connection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἡλικιώτης (hēlikiōtēs, /hay-lik-ee-o’-tace/) – See G2244: Person of same age
• σύγχρονος (synchronos, /soong’-khron-os/) – See G4789: Contemporary
• ὁμῆλιξ (homēlix, /hom-ay’-lix/) – See G3669: Age-peer

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνηλικιώτης
• Genitive singular: συνηλικιώτου
• Dative singular: συνηλικιώτῃ
• Accusative plural: συνηλικιώτας
• Cross-references: ἡλικία (hēlikia) – related noun meaning “age”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for age peers. Thayer’s notes its specific application to contemporaries. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing peer relationships. Vine’s highlights its single NT usage. Strong’s connects it to those of same age. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing peer groups.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals [συνηλικιώτης] in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” Galatians 1:14

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνηλικιώτης reminds us that spiritual growth often occurs in generational contexts. The good news of King Jesus transforms us beyond our peer influences, as demonstrated in Paul’s testimony. This word challenges us to consider how our faith relates to our generational identity and cultural peers.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient educational settings for classmates
2. Applied in military contexts for same-age recruits
3. Early church used it to describe conversion among peer groups

Strong’s G4915: A compound noun expressing peer relationship through shared age. Its single NT use describes Paul’s religious advancement among his Jewish contemporaries, highlighting generational context of spiritual development.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: contemporary, peer, age-mate, generation, companions, contemporaries, age group, peers, generational identity, social context​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​