Divine Unity: σύσσωμος (Strong’s G4954: syssōmos) Reveals Messiah’s One Body

Strong’s G4954: A compound adjective joining σύν (with) and σῶμα (body), meaning “united in the same body.” Used uniquely in Ephesians to describe the spiritual unity of Jews and Gentiles in the Messiah’s body, emphasizing complete incorporation into one spiritual organism.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύσσωμος powerfully captures the reality of spiritual unity in the Messiah. As a compound word, it joins σύν (with, together) and σῶμα (body), creating a term that describes complete incorporation into one body. In Ephesians, Paul uses it to describe the revolutionary unity between Jews and Gentiles in the Messiah. The early church saw this word as fundamental to understanding the nature of the church. Today, it continues to challenge our understanding of unity in the body of the Messiah, transcending all human divisions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύσσωμος, syssōmos, SOOS-so-mos
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soos’ as in ‘loose’, ‘so’ as in ‘so’, ‘mos’ as in ‘moss’
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• σῶμα (sōma) – root noun meaning “body”
• -ος (-os) – adjectival suffix
• The prefix σύν emphasizes complete unity
• The root σῶμα provides the concept of bodily incorporation

D – Defining Meanings

• United in one body
• Joined together bodily
• Incorporated together
• Of the same body
• Unified physically

For compound words:
σύν adds the concept of complete unity to σῶμα’s meaning of body, while the -ος suffix makes it an adjective describing this state of unity.

Translation Options:

1. “United in one body” – Best captures the spiritual reality
2. “Fellow members” – Emphasizes corporate aspect
3. “Incorporated together” – Highlights complete union

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σῶμα (sōma, SO-ma) – body – See G4983
• συμμέτοχος (symmetochos, sim-MET-o-khos) – fellow partaker – See G4830
• σύμφυτος (symphytos, SIM-foo-tos) – grown together – See G4854

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, σύσσωμος exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Masculine singular: σύσσωμος
• Feminine singular: σύσσωμος
• Neuter singular: σύσσωμον
• Plural forms follow standard second declension patterns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σύσσωμος’s unique theological significance. Thayer’s notes its exclusive use in Ephesians. LSJ documents rare usage outside biblical literature. Vine’s connects it to church unity. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting complete incorporation. LEH notes its absence in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan find it rare in secular texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and [σύσσωμος] of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Ephesians 3:6

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύσσωμος beautifully illustrates the profound unity created by the Messiah. Through His work, barriers between peoples are demolished, creating one new humanity. This word reminds us that in the Messiah, all believers are truly and organically united, sharing one spiritual body.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word may have been coined by Paul specifically for this theological concept
2. Early church fathers used it to argue against church divisions
3. It appears in ancient medical texts describing bodily union

Strong’s G4954: A compound adjective joining σύν (with) and σῶμα (body), meaning “united in the same body.” Used uniquely in Ephesians to describe the spiritual unity of Jews and Gentiles in the Messiah’s body, emphasizing complete incorporation into one spiritual organism.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: unity, body of Christ, church, Jews, Gentiles, incorporation, fellowship, Paul, Ephesians, spiritual unity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​