Lexical Summary sunagónizomai: To struggle together, to contend with, to strive together Original Word: συναγωνίζομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strive together with. From sun and agonizomai; to struggle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to be a partner (assistant) -- strive together with. see GREEK sun see GREEK agonizomai HELPS Word-studies 4865 synagōnízomai (from 4862 /sýn, "identified with" and 75 /agōnízomai, "agonize, strive") – properly, fight (agonize) together; "to strive together with, to help (properly, 'sharing in a contest')" (A-S). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and agónizomai Definition to strive with NASB Translation strive together (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4865: συναγωνίζομαισυναγωνίζομαι: 1 aorist middle infinitive συναγωνίσασθαί; from Thucydides and Xenophon down; to strive together with one, to help one in striving: τίνι ἐν τάς προσευχαῖς, in prayers, i. e. to offer intense prayers with one, Romans 15:30; in what sense intense prayer may be likened to a struggle, see Philippi at the passage ((cf. ἀγωνιζόμενος in Colossians 4:12 and Lightfoot's note)). Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage Strong’s Greek number 4865 appears a single time in the New Testament, Romans 15:30, where Paul entreats the Roman believers “to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30). Although rare in occurrence, the term crystallizes a key Pauline emphasis: corporate, agonizing intercession as a vital expression of gospel partnership. Context in Romans 15:30 Paul has just outlined his missionary ambition to evangelize unreached regions (Romans 15:20-24) and his immediate plan to deliver the Jerusalem relief offering (Romans 15:25-29). He recognizes the spiritual opposition inherent in both tasks and therefore summons the church at Rome to join him in prayer warfare. By using a word that evokes athletic or military struggle, he underscores that prayer is not perfunctory but an intense, united exertion of the whole body of Christ. Theological Significance 1. Spiritual Synergy • The verb calls believers into active participation with apostolic mission. Prayer knits the church to the frontline advance of the gospel, demonstrating that kingdom progress is never the achievement of isolated leaders but of interdependent members (Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:12). • Paul appeals “through the love of the Spirit,” grounding corporate striving in Trinitarian affection rather than human effort. Communion with God fuels the perseverance required for effective intercession (Romans 5:5). • The agonistic nuance parallels exhortations such as Ephesians 6:12 and Ephesians 6:18, where believers are urged to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Prayer is portrayed as combat against unseen adversaries, aligning the church with Christ’s victory. Historical Reception Early church writers frequently cited Romans 15:30 to encourage communal vigils and fasting. Chrysostom remarked that Paul “armed the Romans with the weapon of prayer,” implying a spiritual militia united for the Apostle’s protection and success. During missionary movements of later centuries, this verse became a rallying cry for sending-churches to uphold laborers abroad. Implications for Ministry Today 1. Mission Support Congregations should view intercessory gatherings not as optional extras but as strategic deployments alongside missionaries. Leaders, following Paul’s example, ought to solicit prayer transparently, acknowledging dependence on the body for boldness and deliverance. Joint striving in prayer for specific gospel causes forges unity transcending cultural and geographic barriers, modeling the oneness Christ prayed for in John 17. Related Biblical Themes • Partnership in the gospel—Philippians 1:5 Questions for Reflection • How can local churches structure prayer meetings to reflect the intensity implied in Romans 15:30? Forms and Transliterations συναγωνισασθαι συναγωνίσασθαί συνάδωσιν sunagonisasthai sunagōnisasthai synagonisasthai synagonísasthaí synagōnisasthai synagōnísasthaíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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