ὁμοῦ

together

Definition

The adverb ὁμοῦ means 'together' in the sense of being in the same location or gathered at the same time. In John 20:4, it describes Peter and the other disciple running 'together' to the tomb, emphasizing physical proximity. In John 21:2, it lists the disciples who were 'together' by the Sea of Galilee, indicating a group assembled in one place. Its use in John 4:36 ('that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together') extends the meaning to a shared experience or joint participation in an event, blending spatial and temporal unity.

Biblical Usage

ὁμοῦ is used exclusively in the Gospel of John, all three times describing people being physically together. In John 20:4 and 21:2, it denotes a group gathered in one location. In John 4:36, it is used metaphorically within Jesus's teaching about the harvest, indicating that sower and reaper will share in collective joy. This pattern shows John's use of the word to emphasize communal presence, whether literal or figurative.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek adjective ὁμός (homos, G3674 root), meaning 'same' or 'common.' It is an adverb of manner formed from this root, directly conveying the idea of 'in the same place' or 'at the same time.' It is related to words like ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothymadon, G3661) meaning 'with one accord,' sharing the root concept of unity.

Semantic Range

While a simple adverb, ὁμοῦ supports key Johannine themes of community and shared witness. In John 4:36, it underscores the unity of God's work across time, where those who plant and those who harvest in His mission rejoice together in the final harvest. In the resurrection narratives (John 20:4, 21:2), it highlights the communal nature of the disciples' experiences, foundational to the early church's fellowship. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that Christian joy and testimony are inherently collective.

In the Greco-Roman world, concepts of togetherness were vital for social identity and community cohesion. For John's original audience, ὁμοῦ would naturally evoke images of philosophical schools, religious groups, or families gathering. Its use to describe the disciples reinforces their identity as a distinct, united group following Jesus, countering individualistic tendencies in the broader culture.

ἅμα (hama, G260) — also 'at the same time,' but often with a stronger emphasis on simultaneous action rather than just location. ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothymadon, G3661) — 'with one accord' or 'unanimously,' stressing unity of mind or purpose, not merely physical togetherness. ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό (epi to auto, G1909+G846) — a phrase meaning 'in the same place' or 'together,' used in Acts for the early church assembling.

Word Details

Scripture References