Lexical Summary sumphutos: United with, grown together Original Word: σύμφυτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance planted together. From sun and a derivative of phuo; grown along with (connate), i.e. (figuratively) closely united to -- planted together. see GREEK sun see GREEK phuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sumphuó Definition congenital, hence united with NASB Translation united (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4854: σύμφυτοςσύμφυτος, συμφυτον (συμφύω), planted together (Vulg.complantatus); born together with, of joint origin, i. e. 1. connate, congenital, innate, implanted by birth or nature (3Macc. 3:22; Pindar, Plato, Aeschylus, Aeschines, Aristotle, Philo de Abrah. § 31 at the beginning; Josephus (as, contra Apion 1, 8, 5)). 2. grown together, united with (Theophrastus, de caus. plant. 5, 5, 2); kindred (Plato, Phaedr., p. 246 a.): εἰ σύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ, ἀλλά καί (namely, τῷ ὁμοιώματι (others supply Χριστῷ, and take the ὁμοιώματι a dative of respect; for yet another construction of the second clause cf. Buttmann, § 132, 23)) τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἐσόμεθα, if we have become united with the likeness of his death (which likeness consists in the fact that in the death of Christ our former corruption and wickedness has been slain and been buried in Christ's tomb), i. e. if it is part and parcel of the very nature of a genuine Christian to be utterly dead to sin, we shall be united also with the likeness of his resurrection i. e. our intimate fellowship with his return to life will show itself in a new life consecrated to God, Romans 6:5. Derived from the idea of two living things “growing together,” the term evokes the ancient practice of grafting a branch into a rootstock so that, over time, the tissues fuse and a single organism emerges. The imagery is organic, inseparable, and life-bearing: what affects one part inevitably affects the other. New Testament Usage Romans 6:5 contains the term’s sole New Testament occurrence: “For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” (Berean Standard Bible) The verb that follows (“will be”) makes the future consummation just as certain as the present participation. Union with Christ in Death and Resurrection 1. Participatory death The believer shares in Christ’s crucifixion, so the old self is rendered powerless (Romans 6:6). Paul is not describing mere imitation but a spiritual co-crucifixion created by God. 2. Participatory resurrection The same word guarantees future bodily resurrection and present newness of life (Romans 6:4; Philippians 3:10–11). What began at conversion will culminate in glorification. 3. Objective and subjective dimensions Union is an accomplished fact (“have been united”) and an ongoing experience (“walk in newness of life” Romans 6:4). Assurance and sanctification therefore stand on the same foundation. Historical Interpretation • Early Church: Irenaeus cited Romans 6:5 to defend the bodily resurrection, arguing that salvation concerns the whole person, not merely the soul. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Identity formation Counseling believers begins with reminding them that they are already united to Christ; victory over sin flows from this reality, not from human resolve alone (Romans 6:11). 2. Baptismal instruction Baptism visibly dramatizes the symphytos union: immersion signifies burial, emergence signifies resurrection. Teaching candidates this truth guards against viewing baptism as an empty ritual. 3. Assurance in suffering Since union includes resurrection, afflictions cannot sever the life-bond. Pastors comfort the grieving with the certainty that those “grown together” with Christ share His destiny. 4. Holiness and discipleship Discipleship programs ground ethical exhortations in union: believers present their bodies “as instruments of righteousness” because they already participate in Christ’s risen life (Romans 6:13). 5. Eschatological hope Funeral liturgies and resurrection sermons appeal to Romans 6:5 to guarantee a restored, glorified body. The organic metaphor conveys continuity: the same person who dies will live again, renewed. Related Biblical Themes • Vine and branches (John 15:1-8) – mutual indwelling and shared life. Concluding Reflections Strong’s Greek 4854 portrays salvation as organic union rather than external association. The believer is not merely Christ-like but Christ-joined. This truth anchors assurance, energizes sanctification, and sustains hope, calling the Church to live and minister as those already “grown together” with the living Lord. |
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