Lexical Summary sunupourgeó: To assist together, to help jointly Original Word: συνυπουργέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance help together. From sun and a derivative of a compound of hupo and the base of ergon; to be a co-auxiliary, i.e. Assist -- help together. see GREEK sun see GREEK hupo see GREEK ergon HELPS Word-studies 4943 synypourgéō (from 4862 /sýn, "closely identified with" and hypourgos, "cooperation") – closely cooperate (a rare term, even in classical Greek, used only in 2 Cor 1:11). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and hupourgeó (to render service, assist) Definition to help together NASB Translation joining in helping (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4943: συνυπουργέωσυνυπουργέω, συνυπούργω; (ὑπουργέω to serve, from ὑπουργός, and this from ὑπό and ἘΡΓΩ); to help together: τίνι, by anything, 2 Corinthians 1:11. (Lucian, bis accusat. c. 17 συναγωνιζομενης τῆς ἡδονῆς, ἤπερ αὐτῇ τά πολλά ξυνυπουργει.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Greek 4943 (συνυπουργέω) portrays a distinctly corporate form of service: believers “under-work” together, lending practical or spiritual aid that advances another’s God-given mission. The term unites two ideas—humble assistance and cooperative effort—so the focus is not on the prominence of the helpers but on the shared task accomplished under God’s authority. Biblical Occurrence 2 Corinthians 1:11 is the sole New Testament use: “as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to the prayers of many”. Here Paul identifies the Corinthians’ intercession as real, measurable assistance in his deliverance from deadly peril. Intercessory Synergy in 2 Corinthians 1:11 1. Context: Having been “under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9), Paul rests in “the God who raises the dead” (verse 9). Theology of Cooperative Ministry • Divine sovereignty and human agency harmonize. God alone delivers, yet He chooses to employ the praying church as a genuine instrument. Historical Background of Pauline Hardship Paul likely alludes to the life-threatening turmoil experienced in Ephesus (Acts 19) or other Asian trials. Such events furnished tangible occasions for distant believers to engage in σ.υ.ν.υ.π.ο.υ.ρ.γ.ο.ῦ.σ.ι.α.—the unseen but vital labor of intercession. Relationship to Other Pauline Terms • συνεργός (“fellow worker,” Romans 16:3) stresses co-labor but can describe prominent coworkers. συνυπουργέω sits between them, emphasizing humble, background cooperation that nonetheless shapes outcomes. Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Every believer can participate in global gospel work, regardless of location or gifting, through purposeful, informed prayer. Modern Applications Mission agencies, local churches, and small groups mirror Paul’s pattern when they: Conclusion συνυπουργέω reminds the church that gospel advance is never a solo endeavor. When saints bow the knee on behalf of others, they are quietly but decisively “helping together,” and the God who raises the dead delights to turn such joint service into life-preserving deliverance and overflowing thanksgiving. Forms and Transliterations συνυπουργουντων συνυπουργούντων συνυφάναι συνυφάνθη συνυφασμένην συνυφής sunupourgounton sunupourgountōn synypourgounton synypourgountōn synypourgoúnton synypourgoúntōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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