Lexical Summary sunanapauomai: To rest with, to find rest together Original Word: συναναπαύομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance refresh with. Middle from sun and anapano; to recruit oneself in company with -- refresh with. see GREEK sun see GREEK anapano HELPS Word-studies 4875 synanapaúomai (from 4862 /sýn, "identified with" and 373 /anapaúō, "pause completely") – properly, pause together, i.e. when people enjoy God's unique rest together which only results from first fighting God's battles in the unity of the Spirit. It only occurs in Ro 15:32 in reference to the Roman Christians coming alongside Paul to "struggle together" against those opposing his important mission to help the suffering saints in Jerusalem. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and the mid. of anapauó Definition to lie down to rest with, fig. to be refreshed in spirit with NASB Translation find...rest (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4875: συναναπαύομαισυναναπαύομαι: 1 aorist subjunctive συναναπαύσωμαι; to take rest together with: τίνι, with one, Isaiah 11:6; to sleep together, to lie with, of husband and wife (Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch); metaphorically, τίνι, to rest or refresh one's spirit with one (i. e. to give and get refreshment by mutual contact), Romans 15:32 (Lachmann omits). Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term συναναπαύομαι conveys the idea of being refreshed together, a shared renewal of strength and spirit that arises within fellowship. The prefix συν- unites the participants, portraying rest not as a solitary retreat but as a mutual experience created when believers meet in Christ’s presence. Biblical Occurrence Romans 15:32 is the sole New Testament use: “so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you”. Paul anticipates a visit to Rome following his ministry in Jerusalem and Spain, confident that face-to-face fellowship will bring shared revitalization. Theological Themes 1. Mutual Encouragement: Paul often speaks of reciprocal strengthening (Romans 1:11-12; 2 Corinthians 1:24). Here he pushes the concept further: refreshment is multiplied when believers consciously rest in Christ together. Pauline Missionary Context Written around AD 57 from Corinth, Romans is dispatched while Paul carries a Gentile collection to the Jerusalem saints (Romans 15:25-27). The journey will be arduous and dangerous (Acts 20–21). He therefore craves the refreshment that Rome’s believers can supply after the trek. The term underscores that missionaries need more than financial aid; they need relational and spiritual replenishment derived from time spent with the body of Christ. Mutual Refreshment in Christian Fellowship Although συναναπαύομαι appears only once, kindred expressions fill Paul’s letters: These passages show a pattern: generous hospitality, prayer, and shared testimony produce an atmosphere where weary servants recover vigor, and entire congregations are uplifted. Historical Perspectives Early believers practiced this ministry of refreshment by housing itinerant workers, providing meals, and gathering for prayer (Acts 2:46; Didache 12). Patristic writers such as Ignatius urged churches to “refresh in Christ” visiting elders and martyrs. Monastic guest houses, Reformation‐era pastor exchanges, and modern missionary furloughs all trace their lineage to Paul’s desire to be “refreshed together” with the saints. Applications for Ministry Today • Hospitality remains a primary channel for mutual refreshment. Inviting traveling servants of the gospel into homes mirrors Rome’s anticipated welcome of Paul. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 4875 points to a distinctly Christian kind of rest: one that is communal, rooted in the will of God, and aimed at equipping believers for further service. Whether in first-century Rome or twenty-first-century congregations, the church thrives when its members labor, rejoice, and are refreshed together in the Lord. Forms and Transliterations συναναπαύσεται συναναπαυσωμαι συναναπαύσωμαι συνανοίσετε sunanapausomai sunanapausōmai synanapausomai synanapausōmai synanapaúsomai synanapaúsōmaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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