4866. sunathleó

Lexicon

sunathleó: To strive together, to contend together

Original Word: συναθλέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sunathleó
Pronunciation: soon-ath-leh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (soon-ath-leh'-o)
Definition: To strive together, to contend together
Meaning: I compete together with others, cooperate vigorously with.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

labor with, strive together for.

From sun and athleo; to wrestle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to seek jointly -- labour with, strive together for.

see GREEK sun

see GREEK athleo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sun and athleó
Definition
to strive with
NASB Translation
shared...struggle (1), striving together (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4866: συναθλέω

συναθλέω, συνάθλω; 1 aorist συνήθλησα; to strive at the same time with another: with a dative commodi (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 31, 4), for something, Philippians 1:21; τίνι ἐν τίνι, together with one in something, Philippians 4:3. (universally, to help, assist, Diodorus 3, 4.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from σύν (syn, "with, together") and ἀθλέω (athleō, "to contend, to strive").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for συναθλέω, as it is a concept more closely associated with the Greco-Roman world. However, the idea of communal striving and support can be seen in various Old Testament passages that emphasize unity and collective action among the people of Israel, such as in the Psalms and the narratives of the prophets.

Usage: The term is used in the New Testament to describe the act of working or striving together in a unified effort, often in the context of spiritual or communal endeavors.

Context: The Greek verb συναθλέω (synathleō) appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of joint effort and cooperation in the pursuit of a common goal. This term is particularly significant in the context of the early Christian community, where believers were encouraged to work together in spreading the Gospel and living out their faith.

In Philippians 1:27, Paul exhorts the believers to "stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel." Here, συναθλέω emphasizes the importance of unity and collective effort in the face of opposition. The imagery of athletic competition is invoked, suggesting discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

The use of συναθλέω underscores the communal nature of the Christian journey, where individual believers are called to support and encourage one another. This concept aligns with the broader New Testament theme of the Church as the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in the health and mission of the whole.

The term also reflects the Greco-Roman cultural context, where athletic contests were a familiar part of life. By using this metaphor, Paul effectively communicates the intensity and commitment required in the Christian life, drawing parallels between physical and spiritual striving.

Forms and Transliterations

συναθλουντες συναθλούντες συναθλοῦντες συνηθλησαν συνήθλησάν sunathlountes sunethlesan sunēthlēsan synathlountes synathloûntes synethlesan synēthlēsan synḗthlesán synḗthlēsán

Englishman's Concordance

Philippians 1:27 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: μιᾷ ψυχῇ συναθλοῦντες τῇ πίστει
NAS: mind striving together for the faith
KJV: mind striving together for the faith
INT: with one mind striving together for the faith

Philippians 4:3 V-AIA-3P
GRK: τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ συνήθλησάν μοι μετὰ
NAS: who have shared my struggle in [the cause of] the gospel,
KJV: those women which laboured with me in
INT: the gospel labored together with me with

Strong's Greek 4866
2 Occurrences

συναθλοῦντες — 1 Occ.
συνήθλησάν — 1 Occ.