συνεργέω (G4903) — Greek Lexicon

συνεργέω

synergéō

G4903 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To work together with someone, to act jointly toward a common goal. The primary lexical meaning is to collaborate or participate in cooperative activity, whether in labor, enterprise, or endeavor. In New Testament contexts, often used for working alongside others, including both human and divine partners, to accomplish a shared purpose.

Semantic Range

to cooperate, to work together, to act as a partner or co-worker, to assist in joint activity, to participate in collaborative effort

Root / Etymology

From the prefix συν- (with, together) and the verb ἔργω (to work), thus 'to work together with.' Derived from συνεργός (co-worker, companion in labor), itself built on the same prefix and root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb συνεργέω, attested from at least the Hellenistic period, is rooted in everyday language for partnership and joint activity. In the Septuagint, the sense of human cooperation predominates. In the New Testament (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1; Mark 16:20; Romans 8:28), it often carries an elevated connotation, such as partnering with God or the divine in mission or purpose, though this is a contextual extension rather than a shift in basic meaning. The English 'cooperate' or 'work together' captures most usages, but the nuance of collaborating toward a shared goal is central. The term can describe both equal partnerships and asymmetrical relationships (as when God is said to 'work with' believers), and should not be limited to organizational or hierarchical contexts. Differentiated from κοινωνέω (to share, have in common), which emphasizes participation rather than joint activity.

Translation Consistency

primary "cooperate" 2 occurrences

Consistent with the primary meaning “to work together,” ‘cooperate’ is a single, natural English verb that covers the typical NT sense of acting jointly with others (human or divine) to accomplish a shared purpose. It is clearer than the shorter but ambiguous ‘work,’ and slightly less formal than ‘collaborate,’ making it a good, broadly applicable choice for all forms of συνεργέω.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):

"working together" (1x) "collaborating one" (1x) "those working together" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from συνεργός; to be a fellow-worker, i.e. co-operate:--help (work) with, work(-er) together.

Root Family

συνεργέω (synergéō) — to work together, to cooperate, to act jointly

Root συνεργ- to work together, to act jointly, to cooperate

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4903-01`	συνεργεῖ	sunergei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	was working with	works together	cooperates	2
`G4903-04`	συνεργοῦντος	sunergountos	`V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M SG`	working with	of one working together	of one working together	1
`G4903-02`	συνεργοῦντες	sunergountes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	working together	those working together	those working together	1
`G4903-03`	συνεργοῦντι	sunergounti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	helps	to a collaborating one	collaborating one	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4903-04`	Mark 16:20	συνεργοῦντος	sunergountos	`V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M SG`	working with	of one working together	of one working together
`G4903-01`	Romans 8:28	συνεργεῖ	sunergei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	works-together	works together	cooperates
`G4903-03`	1 Corinthians 16:16	συνεργοῦντι	sunergounti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	helps	to a collaborating one	collaborating one
`G4903-02`	2 Corinthians 6:1	συνεργοῦντες	sunergountes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	working together	those working together	those working together
`G4903-01`	James 2:22	συνήργει	sunergei	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	was working with	works together	cooperates

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