Lexical Summary summimétés: Fellow imitator, co-imitator Original Word: συμμιμητής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a fellow-imitatorFrom a presumed compound of sun and mimeomai; a co-imitator, i.e. Fellow votary -- follower together. see GREEK sun see GREEK mimeomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and mimétés Definition a fellow imitator NASB Translation following...example (1), join* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4831: συμμιμητήςσυμμιμητής (T WH συνμιμητης (cf. σύν, lI. at the end)), συμμιμητου, ὁ, an imitator with others: τίνος, of one, Philippians 3:17. Not found elsewhere. STRONGS NT 4831a: συμμορφίζωσυμμορφίζω (Tdf. συνμορφίζω (cf. σύν, II. at the end)): present passive participle συμμορφιζόμενος; (σύμμορφος); to bring to the same form with some other person or thing, to render like (Vulg.configuro): τίνι (R. V. becoming conformed unto), Philippians 3:10 L T Tr WH. Not found elsewhere. The noun συμμιμηταί describes believers who imitate a worthy example together. The prefix συν- (“with, together”) highlights the corporate dimension: Christians do not merely copy a model in isolation; they do so side-by-side, encouraging and regulating one another’s walk so that the entire body moves in a unified direction. Biblical Context: Philippians 3:17 Philippians was written from prison to a congregation already dear to Paul. After urging the church to “press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), Paul immediately exhorts, “Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you” (Philippians 3:17). The single occurrence of συμμιμηταί in this verse: • Ties imitation to perseverance: Paul’s pattern of pressing forward despite hardship is meant to become the church’s shared lifestyle. Pauline Theology of Imitation 1. Christ-centered: All imitation ultimately terminates on Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1–2). Paul’s life is exemplary only insofar as it mirrors the Lord’s self-emptying (Philippians 2:5-8) and resurrection power (Philippians 3:10). Corporate Discipleship • Mutual reinforcement: Συν- prefixed terms in Paul (e.g., συναθλέω, συστρατιώτης) stress joint effort. Likewise, συμμιμηταί frames imitation as a team sport, countering Western individualism. Historical Setting Within Greco-Roman education, students advanced by imitating a teacher’s speech and conduct. Paul redeploys this cultural mechanism but subordinates it to Christ’s lordship. While pagan disciples sought rhetorical polish or philosophical poise, Christian συμμιμηταί pursue humility, suffering love, and resurrection hope. Ministry Significance 1. Leadership training: Church planters and elders must live visibly Christ-centered lives that can be patterned by others (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3). Related Scriptural Themes • “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). The thread running through these passages converges in συμμιμηταί: God supplies patterns (apostles, elders, faithful saints) so that His people can move together toward the likeness of His Son. Practical Implications • Choose companions wisely: Seek fellowship with those whose walk reflects sound doctrine. Summary Strong’s Greek 4831 summons the church to a shared pursuit of Christlikeness. Rooted in apostolic precedent, anchored in the authority of Scripture, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, συμμιμηταί depicts a community that learns and grows together—each member a model to others, all moving toward the same glorious goal. |
    |