συναγωνίζομαι
synagōnízomai
G4865 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To contend, struggle, or strive together with others, particularly in the sense of cooperating or joining in effort towards a shared goal. The term emphasizes mutual participation in contest or labor, whether literal (in athletic or military contests) or figurative (in endeavors, hardships, prayer, or advocacy).
Semantic Range
to strive or struggle together with (someone), to participate jointly in a contest or endeavor, to cooperate with intense effort, to assist with shared dedication, to join earnestly in advocacy or prayer
Root / Etymology
From σύν (with, together) and ἀγωνίζομαι (to struggle, contend; from ἀγών, contest, struggle). Thus: 'to struggle or contend together, alongside another.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek within Epistolary contexts (notably, Paul’s letters). The term builds on the imagery of the 'ἀγών'—the public contest or athletic struggle—extending it to the social or communal arena, where efforts are joined in advocacy or mission. In the New Testament, particularly Romans 15:30, it is used metaphorically to urge communal prayer, evoking the idea of joining together with intensity and commitment akin to participants in a struggle or contest. Contemporary translations such as 'strive together with' or 'contend at my side' partially capture the meaning, but may miss the active partnership and mutual aspect. No classical Greek uses of the exact compound are attested; the word is characteristic of the rhetorical intensification seen in late Greek and the Pauline epistolary style. Related forms like συναθλέω (to compete together) highlight the collaborative aspect.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and ἀγωνίζομαι; to struggle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to be a partner (assistant):--strive together with.
Root Family
συναγωνίζομαι (synagōnizomai) — to contend together, to strive alongside, to struggle jointly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4865-01 |
συναγωνίσασθαί | sunagonisasthai | V AOR MID INF |
to strive together | to strive together | to strive together | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4865-01 |
Romans 15:30 | συναγωνίσασθαί | sunagonisasthai | V AOR MID INF |
to strive together | to strive together | to strive together |