Divine Partnership: συνυπουργέω (Strong’s G4943: synypourgeō) Empowers United Prayer

Strong’s G4943: A compound verb joining σύν (with), ὑπό (under), and ἔργον (work), meaning “to help together with.” Used in 2 Corinthians to describe collaborative prayer support, emphasizing the power of unified intercession in the body of the Messiah.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνυπουργέω beautifully captures the concept of collaborative spiritual work. As a triple compound word, it combines σύν (with), ὑπό (under), and ἔργον (work), creating a term that describes working together in support of others. In 2 Corinthians, Paul uses it to describe the power of united prayer, showing how believers collaborate in spiritual warfare. The early church saw this word as fundamental to understanding corporate intercession. Today, it continues to teach us about the power of unified prayer and mutual support in the body of the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνυπουργέω, synypourgeō, soon-oop-oor-GEH-o
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soon’ as in ‘soon’, ‘oop’ as in ‘loop’, ‘oor’ as in ‘poor’, ‘geh’ as in ‘get’, ‘o’ as in ‘go’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• ἔργον (ergon) – root noun meaning “work”
• -έω (-eō) – verbal suffix
• The prefix σύν indicates joint action
• The prefix ὑπό suggests supportive action
• The root ἔργον provides the concept of work or service

D – Defining Meanings

• To help together
• To work jointly in support
• To collaborate in service
• To assist collectively
• To support together

For compound words:
The triple compound creates a rich meaning where σύν adds collective action, ὑπό adds supportive service, and ἔργον contributes the concept of active work.

Translation Options:

1. “To help together” – Best captures the collaborative nature
2. “To work jointly in support” – Emphasizes the supportive aspect
3. “To serve collaboratively” – Highlights the service dimension

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνεργέω (synergeō, soon-er-GEH-o) – to work together – See G4903
• ὑπουργέω (hypourgeō, hoo-poor-GEH-o) – to serve under – See G5256
• συμβοηθέω (symboētheō, soom-bo-ay-THEH-o) – to help together – See G4878

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συνυπουργέω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word would morph in English as follows:

• Present: I help together, you help together, he/she/it helps together
• Past: I helped together, you helped together, he/she/it helped together
• Perfect: I have helped together, you have helped together, he/she/it has helped together

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συνυπουργέω’s use in describing collaborative spiritual support. Thayer’s notes its unique application to prayer partnership. LSJ documents usage in contexts of mutual aid. Vine’s connects it to corporate intercession. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting coordinated support. LEH traces similar concepts in community service. Moulton and Milligan find it rare but significant in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Ye also [συνυπουργέω] helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 1:11

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνυπουργέω powerfully illustrates the unity and effectiveness of corporate prayer. When believers join together in intercession, they participate in a divine partnership that multiplies impact. This word reminds us that in the Kingdom of the Messiah, our prayers are stronger when unified.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient military texts describing coordinated support operations
2. Early church liturgies used it to describe congregational prayer
3. It was used in medical contexts for collaborative healing efforts

Strong’s G4943: A compound verb joining σύν (with), ὑπό (under), and ἔργον (work), meaning “to help together with.” Used in 2 Corinthians to describe collaborative prayer support, emphasizing the power of unified intercession in the body of the Messiah.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: prayer, collaboration, unity, support, intercession, Paul, partnership, service, spiritual warfare, fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​