Lexical Summary homou: together, at the same place, at the same time Original Word: ὁμοῦ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance together. Genitive case of homos (the same; akin to hama) as adverb; at the same place or time -- together. see GREEK hama NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from gen. of homos (the same) Definition together NASB Translation together (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3674: ὁμοῦὁμοῦ (ὁμός) (from Homer down), adverb, together: John 4:36; John 20:4; εἶναι ὁμοῦ, of persons assembled together, Acts 2:1 L T Tr WH; Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Ὁμοῦ portrays persons or actions occurring “together,” highlighting shared place, time, and purpose. The word surfaces only four times in the New Testament, yet each setting underscores the divine design for believers to function in concert rather than isolation. New Testament Occurrences and Contexts • John 4:36 – Jesus links sowing and reaping in evangelism: “So that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together.” The adverb binds distinct roles into one celebration, emphasizing that every stage of gospel ministry contributes to a common harvest and a united joy. Old Testament Background The Septuagint frequently employs ὁμοῦ to translate Hebrew phrases expressing togetherness (Genesis 13:6; Psalm 2:2; Isaiah 60:4). The adverb thus carries an established scriptural pedigree, consistently portraying the unity of God’s people in worship, warfare, or travel. Theological Themes Unity in Mission: John 4:36 shows that proclamation and disciple-making require cooperative labor. Unity in Witness: John 20:4 reveals that the credibility of the resurrection rests on corroborating testimonies, not solitary claims. Unity in Restoration: John 21:2 reminds that wounded servants heal best in fellowship. Unity in Empowerment: Acts 2:1 affirms that the Spirit equips the church when believers wait and pray side by side. Historical and Ministry Significance First-century disciples met in homes, courtyards, and synagogues; Luke’s note that they were “in one place” stresses physical proximity despite social pressures. Their corporate posture became the pattern for future assemblies where teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer occurred (Acts 2:42). The term therefore undergirds the ecclesiological principle that regular, gathered fellowship is indispensable. Relationship to Cognate Ideas Ὁμοῦ complements ὁμόθυμαδόν (“with one accord”) and ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό (“in the same place”). Together these words paint a composite portrait of the early church: unified in heart, voice, and location. Practical Application for the Contemporary Church 1. Cooperative Evangelism – Sowers and reapers rejoice only when they honor each other’s roles. Summary Though brief in appearance, ὁμοῦ threads through pivotal moments of revelation, restoration, and empowerment. It encapsulates the biblical conviction that God calls His people to labor, suffer, worship, and rejoice—together. Forms and Transliterations ομου ομού όμου ὁμοῦ homou homoû omouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 4:36 AdvGRK: ὁ σπείρων ὁμοῦ χαίρῃ καὶ NAS: and he who reaps may rejoice together. KJV: he that reapeth may rejoice together. INT: he that sows together might rejoice and John 20:4 Adv John 21:2 Adv Acts 2:1 Adv |