Lexical Summary Suntuché: Syntyche Original Word: Συντύχη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Syntyche. From suntugchano; an accident; Syntyche, a Christian female -- Syntyche. see GREEK suntugchano NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom suntugchanó Definition "happy event," Syntyche, a Christian woman at Philippi NASB Translation Syntyche (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4941: ΣυντύχηΣυντύχη and (so Tdf. editions 7, 8; cf. Lipsius, Gramm. Untersuch., p. 31; (Tdf. Proleg., p. 103; Kühner, § 84 at the end; on the other hand, Chandler § 199)) Συντύχη, ἡ (accusative: Συντύχην), Syntyche, a woman belonging to the church at Philippi: Philippians 4:2. (The name occurs several times its Greek inscriptions (see Lightfoot on Philippians, the passage cited).) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Philippians 4:2 is the sole New Testament reference to Syntyche. Writing from imprisonment, Paul states, “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.” The accompanying verse, Philippians 4:3, identifies both women as having “contended together with me in the gospel,” highlighting their prior partnership with Paul, Clement, and other co-laborers. Historical Background of the Philippian Church Paul first preached in Philippi during the second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). The city was a Roman colony populated by retired veterans and a small but influential group of Hellenized women meeting for prayer by the river (Acts 16:13-15). From the outset, female believers such as Lydia exercised notable spiritual influence, and Syntyche evidently belonged to that same gospel-hearted community roughly a decade later when the epistle was penned (circa A.D. 61-63). Identity and Social Setting 1. Gender and status: The Greek feminine form makes clear that Syntyche was a woman. Her name, commonly used among Greeks, appears in first-century inscriptions in Macedonia. Paul’s Plea for Unity The command to “agree in the Lord” echoes earlier counsel: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). The apostle applies Christ-like humility to a real, localized disagreement. By repeating “I urge” for each woman, he refuses to assign blame publicly, instead grounding reconciliation in their shared union with Christ. Ecclesiological Significance • Gospel partnership is not gender-exclusive. Syntyche serves as proof that women labored side-by-side with apostles. Comparison with Other Female Co-Laborers Syntyche joins a New Testament roster that includes: These examples collectively underscore the Spirit’s gifting of women for vital gospel service. Theological Themes 1. Unity in Christ: Disagreements must submit to the supreme bond believers share in the Lord (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:2-3). Later Church Tradition Eastern Orthodox calendars list Syntyche among the “Women of Philippi,” commemorating her on November 25. Though extra-biblical, such remembrance testifies to her enduring reputation as a faithful worker. Practical Applications for Contemporary Ministry • Encourage godly women to exercise spiritual gifts without reservation, following Syntyche’s model. See Also Euodia (Philippians 4:2) Clement (Philippians 4:3) Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2) Forms and Transliterations Συντυχην Συντύχην Suntuchen Suntuchēn Syntychen Syntychēn Syntýchen SyntýchēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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