Lexical Summary sunoikeo: to live together, to cohabit Original Word: συνοικέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dwell together. From sun and oikeo; to reside together (as a family) -- dwell together. see GREEK sun see GREEK oikeo Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4924: συνοικέωσυνοικέω, συνοίκω; to dwell together (Vulg.cohabito): of the domestic association and intercourse of husband and wife, 1 Peter 3:7; for many examples of this use, see Passow, under the word, 1; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, I. 2). Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong's Greek 4924 highlights a singular New Testament call for husbands and wives to share life in close, thoughtful fellowship. Though the verb appears only once, its placement in 1 Peter 3:7 situates it at the heart of the apostolic vision for Christian marriage, linking domestic harmony with spiritual vitality. Biblical Context 1 Peter 3:7: “Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a weaker vessel, and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” The surrounding passage (1 Peter 2:11–3:12) forms part of Peter’s household code. Each relationship—citizen to state, servant to master, wife to husband, husband to wife—is framed in light of Christ’s example of submission and sacrificial love (1 Peter 2:21-25). By employing 4924, Peter urges husbands to dwell in habitual, thoughtful companionship with their wives, elevating marriage from mere co-residence to a shared spiritual pilgrimage. Implications for Marriage and Family 1. Mutual Honor 2. Knowledge-Based Care 3. Unhindered Prayer Historical Background and Cultural Setting In Greco-Roman society, the paterfamilias wielded near-absolute household authority. Peter neither capitulates to nor simply duplicates that model. Instead, he reframes leadership through the lens of Christlike service. Calling husbands to co-dwell “as with a weaker vessel” recognizes female physiological vulnerability in the ancient world without implying spiritual inferiority. The instruction challenged prevailing male dominance by demanding tenderness, honor, and acknowledgment of the wife as an equal heir of eternal life. Intertextual Connections • Genesis 2:24 lays the groundwork for “one flesh” union—relational dwelling that 1 Peter 3:7 presumes. Theological Significance The singular use of 4924 reinforces that marriage is a microcosm of divine fellowship: 1. Covenant Presence God “dwells” with His people (Exodus 29:45; Revelation 21:3). Husbands are to model that faithful presence in the home. 2. Shared Inheritance Both spouses are “heirs” (sunklēronomoi) of grace, reflecting the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). 3. Holistic Sanctification Domestic life is not peripheral but integral to sanctification. The household becomes a sanctuary where gospel realities are practiced daily. Ministry Applications • Premarital Counseling Emphasize the biblical vision of marriage as lifelong, purposeful co-residence rooted in grace. • Men’s Discipleship Train husbands to translate theological knowledge into daily attentiveness—listening, serving, and praying with their wives. • Prayer Ministries Address marital discord as a potential hindrance to corporate and private prayer, fostering reconciliation as part of spiritual formation. Pastoral Counseling and Discipleship When conflict arises, 1 Peter 3:7 offers a diagnostic lens: 1. Are both living under the awareness of shared heirship? Practical Devotional Insights • Daily “Check-In” Couples can set aside brief, structured times to listen and pray, embodying 4924 in rhythm. • Hospitality as Witness A home where husband and wife dwell harmoniously proclaims the gospel to children, neighbors, and the broader church. Related Terms and Illustrations • The root concept of “house” (oikos) permeates Scripture—house of Israel, household of God (Ephesians 2:19). Dwelling together in marriage models the unity Christ secures in His larger household. • Early Church Fathers (e.g., Chrysostom) cited 1 Peter 3:7 to argue that a husband’s spiritual authority exists for the edification, not domination, of the wife. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 4924 encapsulates a robust theology of shared life. By commanding husbands to live in informed, honoring communion with their wives, Peter knits together doctrinal understanding, marital practice, and spiritual effectiveness. In every generation, obedience to this single verb preserves the integrity of the home and amplifies the church’s witness to the indwelling grace of God. Forms and Transliterations συνοικήσει συνοικήση συνοικισθήσεται συνοικισθήση συνοικουντες συνοικούντες συνοικοῦντες συνοικών συνωκηκυία συνώκησεν συνωκισμένης sunoikountes synoikountes synoikoûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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