Lexical Summary hama: together, at the same time, along with Original Word: ἅμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance also, and, together, with.A primary particle; properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association -- also, and, together, with(-al). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition at once NASB Translation early (1), same time (5), together (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 260: ἅμαἅμα (Sanskritsa, sama; English same; Latinsimul; German sammt, etc.; Curtius, § 440; Vanicek, p. 972. From Homer down); 1. adverb, at the same time, at once, together: Acts 24:26; Acts 27:40; Colossians 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:13; Philemon 1:22; all to a man, every one, Romans 3:12. 2. preposition (Winers Grammar, 470 (439)), together with, with the dative: Matthew 13:29. ἅμα πρωι< early in the morning: Matthew 20:1 (in Greek writings ἅμα τῷ ἡλίῳ, ἅμα τῇ ἡμέρα). In 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:10, where ἅμα is followed by σύν, ἅμα is an adverb (at the same time) and must be joined to the verb. The term expresses simultaneity and shared participation—people or actions occurring “together,” “at the same moment,” or “in company with” one another. Scripture employs it to highlight unity of purpose, synchronized action, or corporate destiny. Usage in the Gospel Tradition Matthew uses the word twice. In the Parable of the Weeds the Master forbids premature uprooting “lest while you gather the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them” (Matthew 13:29); the shared growth of wheat and weeds underscores God’s patience until the appointed harvest. In the Parable of the Vineyard Workers the landowner “went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard” and later “went out again about the third hour” (Matthew 20:1-3), but in verse 1 the adverb marks the dawn beginning and the shared labor that will culminate in equal reward. Both parables use the term to portray a common experience that will be judged or rewarded by the Lord of the harvest. Acts and the Progress of the Gospel Luke records two instances. Felix repeatedly hoped Paul would offer a bribe and therefore “sent for him frequently and conversed with him” (Acts 24:26). The simultaneity here shows Felix blending political calculation with religious curiosity. Later, à bord the storm-tossed ship, “they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, while at the same time loosening the ropes that held the rudders” (Acts 27:40). The coordinated nautical maneuvers mirror the unity of passengers and crew under God’s providential care revealed earlier in Paul’s prophecy of deliverance. Corporate Aspects in Pauline Theology Romans 3:12 employs the adverb in the sweeping indictment, “All have turned away, together they have become worthless.” The universality of sin is emphasized by the corporate “together,” preparing the reader for the universal offer of justification in Christ. Colossians 4:3 seeks simultaneous ministry partnership: “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word.” Believers engage contemporaneously in prayer while Paul evangelizes, illustrating the interdependency of the body of Christ. Philemon receives a striking pastoral directive: “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me” (Philemon 22). Prayer and practical hospitality are to proceed together, indicating that faith never remains abstract. Eschatological Hope in Thessalonians Perhaps the richest theological weight falls in the two Thessalonian occurrences. Concerning the Parousia, “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The word guarantees the indivisibility of the redeemed community—living and resurrected saints experience the Lord’s return as one people. A chapter later Paul writes that Christ died “so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:10). The believer’s union with Christ transcends death; the adverb ties temporal status directly to eternal fellowship. Pastoral Counsel to Timothy In 1 Timothy 5:13 the apostle warns against younger widows who, “going around from house to house, learn to be idle, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, speaking about things they should not.” The term signals a progression of simultaneous sins; idleness, gossip, and meddling reinforce one another. Wise pastoral oversight must address the cluster, not merely one symptom. Historical and Cultural Background Classical Greek used the word in military, legal, and domestic settings to stress synchronized action—charging together, acting together in court, or dining together. Septuagint usage often translates Hebrew idioms for unified gatherings (for example, Judges 20:11). The New Testament writers draw on this heritage to portray the church as a covenant community acting in harmony under the headship of Christ. Doctrinal Themes 1. Universal Sin and Grace: Romans 3:12 teaches that fallen humanity stands together in need; the same root word later supports the truth that believers rise together in Christ. Practical Application • Encourage congregational prayer that actively supports real-time missionary efforts. Summary The ten New Testament occurrences of this modest adverb paint a vibrant portrait of life in Christ: condemned together, redeemed together, serving together, and one day glorified together. The Spirit-inspired writers employ a single word to remind the church that God’s redemptive plan is profoundly corporate, binding every believer into the synchronized rhythm of grace from this present age to the age to come. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 13:29 AdvGRK: ζιζάνια ἐκριζώσητε ἅμα αὐτοῖς τὸν KJV: ye root up also the wheat with them. INT: weeds you should uproot with them the Matthew 20:1 Adv Acts 24:26 Adv Acts 27:40 Adv Romans 3:12 Adv Colossians 4:3 Adv 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Adv 1 Thessalonians 5:10 Adv 1 Timothy 5:13 Adv Philemon 1:22 Adv |
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