Lexical Summary sumbainó: To happen, to occur, to come together Original Word: συμβαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance befall, happen unto. From sun and the base of basis; to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e. Concur (take place) -- be(-fall), happen (unto). see GREEK sun see GREEK basis HELPS Word-studies 4819 symbaínō (from 4862 /sýn, "together with" and bainō, "walk") – properly, two things moving side-by-side; (figuratively) what happens together, i.e. as one closely-integrated unit. In the NT, 4819 /symbaínō ("happen") chiefly refers to God's providence, i.e. that the Lord arranges all the physical scenes of life to work in conjunction with His eternal purpose. Indeed, the two always go together – which means "everything is happening (4819 /symbaínō) as it should" (G. Archer). [That is, on the "boulē-level of the will of God. See 1012 /boulē ("the Lord's immutable plan for physical circumstances").] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and the same as basis Definition to come together, i.e. (of events) to come to pass NASB Translation came (1), happen (1), happened (3), happening (1), taken place (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4819: συμβαίνωσυμβαίνω (ξυμβαίνω Rec.bez in 1 Peter 4:12; see Sigma, at the end); imperfect συνέβαινον; 2 aorist συνεβην, participle συμβάς; perfect συμβέβηκα; from (Aeschylus), Herodotus down; 1. to walk with the feet near together. 2. to come together, meet with one; hence, 3. of things which fall out at the same time, to happen, turn out, come to pass (so occasionally in the Sept for קָרָה and קָרָא); as very often in Greek writings (the Sept. Genesis 42:4; Genesis 44:29), συμβαινει τί τίνι, something befalls, happens to, one: Mark 10:32; Acts 20:19; 1 Corinthians 10:11; (1 Peter 4:12); 2 Peter 2:22; τό συμβεβηκός τίνι, Acts 3:10 (Susanna 26); absolutely, τά συμβεβηκότα, the things that had happened, Luke 24:14 (1 Macc. 4:26; (Josephus, contra Apion 1, 22, 17)); συνέβη followed by an accusative with an infinitive it happened (A. V. so it was) that, etc.: Acts 21:35 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 323 (303)), examples from secular authors are given by Grimm on 2 Macc. 3:2. Strong’s Greek 4819 highlights the simple yet profound fact that things “come together” or “happen.” Across its eight New Testament occurrences the term consistently affirms that every event—whether anticipated or surprising—unfolds under God’s sovereign hand and serves His redemptive purposes. Scriptural Contexts In the Life and Passion of Christ Mark 10:32 looks ahead to the climactic “things that were going to happen to Him.” The verb frames the Passion not as random tragedy but as the necessary outworking of divine purpose announced by the prophets (Isaiah 53; Acts 4:27-28). In Post-Resurrection Witness Luke 24:14 records two disciples “talking with each other about everything that had happened.” Their discussion shows how reflection on fulfilled events leads to understanding “all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27) and ignites mission (Luke 24:33-35). In Apostolic Ministry and Persecution Acts 20:19 and Acts 21:35 portray hardships that “came upon” Paul. For Luke, such happenings validate apostolic authenticity (Acts 14:22) and demonstrate that opposition cannot thwart the spread of the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14). In Miraculous Sign Acts 3:10 describes the crowd’s amazement “at what had happened” to the lame man. The verb marks the miracle as an objective event verifying Jesus’ ongoing power (Acts 3:16) and opening a door for proclamation (Acts 3:19-21). In Pastoral Exhortation 1 Peter 4:12 uses the term to reassure believers facing fiery trials: “do not be surprised…as though something strange were happening to you.” Suffering is not accidental but participates in Christ’s own sufferings (1 Peter 4:13). 1 Corinthians 10:11 warns that Israel’s wilderness events “happened to them as examples,” underscoring that historical narrative is didactic. 2 Peter 2:22 applies the verb to apostates for whom the proverbial fate “has happened” in exact correspondence to their choices, demonstrating retributive justice. Theological Themes Divine Providence over Events Each occurrence situates human experience within God’s overarching decree. Whether salvation history (Mark 10:32), disciplined warning (1 Corinthians 10:11), or judgment (2 Peter 2:22), nothing “just happens.” Suffering as Expected Reality Trials “happen” (1 Peter 4:12; Acts 20:19) as integral to discipleship, refining faith and displaying the sufficiency of grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). Miracle as Sign of Kingdom Advancement What “happened” to the lame beggar (Acts 3:10) links visible restoration to the risen Christ’s invisible reign, compelling witnesses to repentance (Acts 3:19). Historical Lessons and Moral Warnings The past is neither stagnant nor irrelevant. Events that “happened” to Israel become instructive templates for the church, urging vigilance against idolatry and complaint (1 Corinthians 10:6-10). Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching: Emphasize God’s purposeful orchestration of both triumphs and trials; reassure congregations that current circumstances fit within a broader redemptive narrative. Historical and Cultural Notes In Greco-Roman thought, unexpected events were often attributed to fate or capricious deities. The New Testament redeploys common vocabulary to assert a personal, covenantal sovereignty instead of impersonal chance, thereby inviting believers to interpret reality through revelation rather than superstition. Conclusion Strong’s 4819 may seem an ordinary verb for “happening,” yet its strategic placement in the New Testament underlines a singular conviction: every occurrence—whether suffering, miracle, or consummation—unfolds under the wise and deliberate governance of God for the glory of Christ and the sanctification of His people. Englishman's Concordance Mark 10:32 V-PNAGRK: μέλλοντα αὐτῷ συμβαίνειν NAS: them what was going to happen to Him, KJV: what things should happen unto him, INT: were about to him to happen Luke 24:14 V-RPA-GNP Acts 3:10 V-RPA-DNS Acts 20:19 V-APA-GMP Acts 21:35 V-AIA-3S 1 Corinthians 10:11 V-IIA-3S 1 Peter 4:12 V-PPA-GNS 2 Peter 2:22 V-RIA-3S Strong's Greek 4819 |
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