Journeying Together: συνοδεύω (Strong’s G4922: sunodeuo) Witnesses Divine Encounter

Strong’s G4922: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ὁδεύω (to travel), συνοδεύω describes traveling together on a journey. In Acts, it specifically refers to those who accompanied Saul during his Damascus road encounter, marking them as witnesses to this pivotal moment in salvation history.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνοδεύω (sunodeuo) represents the act of traveling together on a journey, emphasizing shared experience and companionship along the way. This compound word beautifully captures both physical and spiritual journey-sharing. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Acts, describing those who traveled with Saul during his transformative encounter with the risen Messiah. Early church writers expanded its usage to describe the Christian journey of faith and discipleship. Today, it reminds us of the communal nature of following Jesus and how we often witness His work in others’ lives while journeying together.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνοδεύω, sunodeuo, /sün-od-yoo’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-oh-DEW-oh (where ‘ew’ sounds like in “few”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• ὁδεύω (hodeuo) – root verb meaning “to travel, journey”
• The combination creates the meaning “to journey together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To travel together with
• To accompany on a journey
• To share a road or path with someone

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the concept of togetherness, while ὁδεύω provides the core meaning of traveling. Together, they emphasize shared journey experiences.

Translation Options:

• “to journey with” – emphasizes companionship
• “to travel together” – highlights the shared experience
• “to accompany” – focuses on the supportive aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁδεύω (hodeuo) /hod-yoo’-ō/ – to journey (without companionship emphasis)
  See G3593
• συμπορεύομαι (symporeuomai) /süm-por-yoo’-om-ahee/ – to go together
  See G4848
• συνέρχομαι (synerchomai) /sün-er’-khom-ahee/ – to come together
  See G4905

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (Participle)
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word appears as a participle describing ongoing action:

• συνοδεύοντες (journeying together with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to shared travel experiences. Thayer’s notes its use in describing companions on a journey. LSJ provides examples from travel narratives. Vine’s connects it to fellowship in journey. Strong’s highlights the collaborative nature implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in travel documents and narratives.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 9:7: “The men who were journeying [συνοδεύω] with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνοδεύω beautifully illustrates how God often works through shared experiences and communal journeys. This word proclaims the good news that we don’t walk alone in our faith journey, and that sometimes we’re privileged to witness others’ transformative encounters with the risen Messiah. It reminds us that the path of discipleship is meant to be shared.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνοδεύω appears only once in the New Testament
2. It’s used specifically in the context of Paul’s conversion story
3. The word later influenced the term “synod” in church governance

Strong’s G4922: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ὁδεύω (to travel), συνοδεύω describes traveling together on a journey. In Acts, it specifically refers to those who accompanied Saul during his Damascus road encounter, marking them as witnesses to this pivotal moment in salvation history.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: journey, companionship, Paul’s conversion, Damascus road, witnesses, shared experience, compound words, Greek verbs, travel, divine encounter, discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​