Standing Together in Glory: συνίστημι (Strong’s G4921: sunistemi) Reveals Unity

Strong’s G4921: A compound verb combining σύν (with, together) and ἵστημι (to stand), συνίστημι expresses the act of standing together, associating with, or bringing together. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance in contexts of unity, commendation, and demonstration.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνίστημι (sunistemi) conveys a rich spectrum of meanings centered around the concept of bringing or standing together. As a compound word, it literally means “to stand with” but extends to include presenting, commending, establishing, and demonstrating. In the New Testament, it appears in various contexts, from the transfiguration scene where men stood with Jesus to Paul’s letters where he commends fellow workers and demonstrates God’s righteousness. Early church writers employed this term to express both the unity of believers and the validation of ministry. Today, it continues to speak to the importance of Christian unity, mutual commendation, and the demonstration of God’s truth through our lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνίστημι, sunistemi, /sün-is’-tā-mē/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-IS-tay-mee (where ‘ay’ sounds like in “say”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἵστημι (histēmi) – root verb meaning “to stand”
• The combination creates the concept of standing or bringing together

D – Defining Meanings

• To stand with or together
• To present or commend
• To demonstrate or prove
• To establish or constitute

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the concept of togetherness or unity, while ἵστημι contributes the idea of standing or establishing. Together, they create a word expressing association, commendation, or demonstration.

Translation Options:

• “to stand together with” – emphasizes unity and association
• “to commend” – highlights the presentational aspect
• “to demonstrate” – focuses on proving or showing forth

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρίστημι (paristēmi) /par-is’-tay-mee/ – to present, stand beside
  See G3936
• ἵστημι (histēmi) /his’-tay-mee/ – to stand, establish
  See G2476
• συμπαρίστημι (symparistēmi) /süm-par-is’-tay-mee/ – to stand together with
  See G4921

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive (Present), Stative (Perfect), Perfective (Aorist)

Examples of forms:

• συνίστημι (I commend/demonstrate)
• συνέστηκεν (has been established)
• συνιστῶντες (commending)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s range from physical standing together to metaphorical commendation. Thayer’s notes its use in demonstrating or proving. LSJ traces its development from physical to abstract meanings. Vine’s connects it to both unity and demonstration. Strong’s highlights the foundational meaning of standing together. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in formal presentations and recommendations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 9:32: “Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing [συνίστημι] with Him.”

Additional References:
Romans 3:5
Romans 5:8
2 Corinthians 3:1
2 Corinthians 4:2
2 Corinthians 6:4
Colossians 1:17
Galatians 2:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνίστημι beautifully captures both the unity of believers with the Messiah and our role in demonstrating His truth to the world. This word proclaims the good news that we not only stand together with Jesus but also serve as living demonstrations of His grace and truth. It reminds us that our unity in Him becomes a powerful testimony to His glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνίστημι appears most frequently in Paul’s letters
2. It’s used to describe both physical standing together and spiritual unity
3. The word became important in early Christian letters of recommendation

Strong’s G4921: A compound verb combining σύν (with, together) and ἵστημι (to stand), συνίστημι expresses the act of standing together, associating with, or bringing together. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance in contexts of unity, commendation, and demonstration.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: unity, demonstration, commendation, standing together, Paul’s letters, transfiguration, Christian testimony, compound words, Greek verbs, recommendation, divine proof​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​