Lexical Summary sumpsuchos: United in spirit, like-minded, harmonious Original Word: σύμψυχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance like-minded. From sun and psuche; co-spirited, i.e. Similar in sentiment -- like-minded. see GREEK sun see GREEK psuche HELPS Word-studies 4861 sýmpsy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and psuché Definition of one mind NASB Translation united in spirit (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4861: σύμψυχοςσύμψυχος (T WH συνψυχος (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συμψυχον (σύν and ψυχή), of one mind (Vulg.unanimis): of one accord, Philippians 2:2. (Ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Term and Conceptσύμψυχοι (sýmpsychoi) expresses the state of being “one-souled,” a deep inward unity where the affections, convictions, and purposes of believers are harmonized by the Holy Spirit. It reaches beyond intellectual agreement to a shared spiritual vitality, binding disciples together in a common life sourced in Christ. Biblical Usage Philippians 2:2 is the sole New Testament occurrence: “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit, and purpose.” Here Paul places σύμψυχοι in a chain of unity terms—“like-minded,” “same love,” “one-souled,” “one purpose”—showing that true concord touches every level of Christian relationship. Theological Significance 1. Trinitarian Pattern: The Father, Son, and Spirit act with perfect oneness (John 17:21). σύμψυχοι calls the church to reflect that divine harmony. Historical Context First-century Philippi was a Roman colony marked by status rivalries. Paul counters civic pride with a summons to gospel-shaped unity. A congregation “one-souled” would stand in sharp contrast to the patron-client dynamics of their culture and shine “as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Intertextual Connections • Acts 4:32—“The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul.” The narrative shows σύμψυχοι lived out through sacrificial sharing. Practical Ministry Implications • Leadership: Elders cultivate σύμψυχοι by modeling Christlike humility and resolving conflict biblically (Matthew 18:15-17). Related Doctrinal Themes Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3), koinonia fellowship (Acts 2:42), body imagery (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), covenant community, and brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1) all converge in the vision of being σύμψυχοι. In Church History Early apologists like Justin Martyr highlighted the practical unity of Christians—caring for orphans, sharing possessions—as evidence of divine truth. Later, monastic communities pursued “one soul” through common rule and prayer. Reformation confessions preserved the ideal, though sectarian divisions warned of its fragility. Illustrative Examples • Two missionaries differing in method but united in soul subordinate personal preferences to gospel advance (Philippians 1:18). Summary Strong’s 4861 summons the church to a profound fellowship in which hearts and purposes intertwine under the lordship of Christ. When believers live σύμψυχοι, the gospel’s unifying power becomes visible, joy is multiplied, and God is glorified with one mind and one voice. Forms and Transliterations σύμψυχοι συνψυχοι σύνψυχοι sumpsuchoi sympsychoi sýmpsychoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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