Lexical Summary suntrophos: Companion, foster brother, comrade Original Word: σύντροφος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brought up with. From sun and trophos (in a passive sense); a fellow-nursling, i.e. Comrade -- brought up with. see GREEK sun see GREEK trophos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and trephó Definition one brought up with, i.e. a foster brother or an intimate friend NASB Translation brought (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4939: σύντροφοςσύντροφος, συντροφου, ὁ (συντρέφω) (from Herodotus down), "nourished with one (Vulg.collactaneus (English foster-brother)); brought up with one; universally, companion of one's childhood and youth": τίνος (of some prince or king), Acts 13:1. (1 Macc. 1:6; 2 Macc. 9:29; Polybius 5, 9, 4; Diodorus 1, 53; Josephus, b. j. 1, 10, 9; Aelian v. h. 12, 26.) Topical Lexicon Semantic Force and Relational Implications Σύντροφος depicts the lifelong bond of persons reared side-by-side under a common guardian. The word evokes shared meals, schooling, discipline, and family intimacy. In Greco-Roman culture such “foster-brothers” often belonged to prominent households where aristocratic children were educated with selected companions, creating networks that later influenced politics and commerce. Scripture applies the term to highlight providential intersections between the ruling elite and the nascent Church. Biblical Occurrence: Acts 13:1 “In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (Acts 13:1) Luke names five leaders whom the Holy Spirit would use to launch the first intentional Gentile mission. The inclusion of Manaen, a σύντροφος of Herod Antipas, contrasts sharply with Saul the former persecutor and Barnabas the Levite from Cyprus. The term underscores how the Antioch fellowship transcended ethnic, social, and political boundaries, embodying the unifying work of the gospel (Ephesians 2:14-16). Historical Setting: Manaen and Herod Antipas Herod Antipas (reigned 4 B.C.–A.D. 39) ruled Galilee and Perea, ordered the execution of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29), and mocked Jesus during the Passion (Luke 23:6-12). Manaen, reared alongside this tetrarch, would have shared tutors, household privileges, and palace culture. Yet their spiritual trajectories diverged dramatically: Antipas hardened his heart, whereas Manaen became a prophet-teacher in the multicultural congregation of Antioch. The single verb σύντροφος nuances this divergence by showing that upbringing alone neither saves nor condemns; personal response to God’s revelation is decisive. Ministry Insights from Antioch 1. Strategic Leadership Mix. Antioch’s elders combined Jewish and Gentile, African and Mediterranean, aristocratic and common backgrounds. Such diversity modeled the “one body” vision later articulated by Paul (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). Spiritual Adoption and Discipleship The natural bond implied by σύντροφος points ahead to the greater spiritual kinship believers share in Christ. While Manaen and Herod were nurtured together physically, Christians are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), “brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). The term therefore enriches themes of: Practical Applications for the Church Today • Encourage inter-generational and cross-cultural mentoring, reflecting the Antioch model where diverse backgrounds produced united mission. Strong’s 4939 therefore reminds believers that the gospel penetrates palaces and marketplaces alike, forging spiritual siblings whose shared upbringing is now “in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). Forms and Transliterations συντροφος σύντροφος συντροχασή suntrophos syntrophos sýntrophosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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