Lexical Summary sunapagó: To lead away with, to carry away with, to be led astray Original Word: συναπάγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance carry away, condescend. From sun and apago; to take off together, i.e. Transport with (seduce, passively, yield) -- carry (lead) away with, condescend. see GREEK sun see GREEK apago HELPS Word-studies 4879 synapágō (from 4862 /sýn, "identified with" and 520 /apágō, "led away") – properly, led (carried) away with. 4879 /synapágō ("led off together") is used three times in the NT: once positively (Ro 12:16) and twice negatively ("carried off together") of "being led astray" (Gal 2:13; 2 Pet 3:17). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and apagó Definition to lead away with, fig. to be carried away with (pass.) NASB Translation associate (1), carried away (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4879: συναπάγω[συναπάγω: passive, present participle συναπαγόμενος; 1 aorist συναπηχθην; to lead away with or together: ἵππον, Xenophon, Cyril 8, 3, 23; τριηρεις, Hell. 5, 1, 23; τόν λαόν μεθ' ἑαυτοῦ, the Sept. Exodus 14:6; passive, metaphorically, to be carried away with: with the dative of the thing, i. e. by a thing, so as to experience with others the force of that which carries away (Zosimus ( The verb συναπάγω (Strong’s 4879) pictures a person being swept along with a group or current. It carries both a neutral sense of “accompanying” and a warning sense of “being dragged off.” In each New Testament occurrence the word underscores the power of corporate influence—either to humble fellowship or to harmful error. Contexts of New Testament Usage • Galatians 2:13 presents the gravest example: “The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” Here συναπάγω exposes how revered leaders can be pressured into disobedience when the prevailing party departs from gospel truth. • Romans 12:16 shows the verb’s positive potential: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.” Believers are urged to let themselves be “carried along with” the humble, rather than drifting toward social pride. • 2 Peter 3:17 issues a final apostolic safeguard: “Be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.” False teachers remain an ever-present undertow; vigilance is essential. Historical Background: First-Century Social Dynamics Honor-shame culture, synagogue pressures, and patron-client networks made collective conformity a powerful force. In Antioch (Galatians 2), the fear of Jerusalem emissaries led Peter and Barnabas to retreat from table fellowship with Gentiles. At Rome (Romans 12), stratified house-churches faced tension between wealthy patrons and slaves; Paul calls saints to cross those lines willingly. In Asia Minor (2 Peter), itinerant teachers sought followers by promising freedom while denying the Master; Peter’s readers needed steadfast doctrine to resist their pull. Theological Implications 1. Corporate drift can nullify personal conviction; therefore, conscience must be anchored to revealed truth, not popular sentiment. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Mentor believers to identify subtle group influences—social media, academic trends, denominational politics—that can redirect affections from the gospel. Warnings Against False Teachers 2 Peter employs συναπάγω in the context of eschatological scoffers who deny Christ’s return. Their error is not merely intellectual; it seduces by promising moral license. Sound eschatology thus becomes a safeguard for holy living. Positive Call to Humility and Harmony Romans 12 places the verb in a list of love-driven exhortations. Allowing oneself to be “carried along” with the humble is a voluntary descent that mirrors the incarnation (Philippians 2:6-8). This counter-cultural movement builds authentic community and silences class divisions. Relation to the Gospel of Grace Galatians 2 illustrates that drifting with the crowd can betray the gospel itself. Paul’s public confrontation with Peter proves that fidelity to justification by faith sometimes requires standing alone against respected peers. The incident validates the apostolic gospel and preserves unity on the right foundation. Comparative Usage in Jewish Literature While συναπάγω is rare, similar imagery appears in Wisdom literature warning against joining evildoers (Proverbs 1:10-15). The New Testament usage intensifies the danger by tying it to doctrinal deviation, not mere moral folly. Conclusion Strong’s 4879 serves as a subtle diagnostic of the heart’s susceptibility to collective sway. Scripture employs the term to summon believers toward humble solidarity and steadfast orthodoxy, ensuring that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” Englishman's Concordance Romans 12:16 V-PPM-NMPGRK: τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι μὴ γίνεσθε NAS: in mind, but associate with the lowly. KJV: but condescend to men of low estate. INT: with the lowly going along not be Galatians 2:13 V-AIP-3S 2 Peter 3:17 V-APP-NMP Strong's Greek 4879 |
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