συγχράομαι

I have dealings with

Definition

The verb συγχράομαι (sygchraomai) means 'to have dealings with' or 'to associate with' someone. In its single New Testament occurrence in John 4:9, it carries the specific sense of a Jew and a Samaritan sharing vessels or engaging in social interaction, which was culturally contentious. The term implies a practical, everyday association or transaction, often involving the sharing of common items like a water jar. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, its force in John 4:9 highlights a barrier of social and religious custom that Jesus deliberately crosses.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 4:9, within the narrative of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman expresses surprise that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan woman, for a drink, stating, 'For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.' Here, it describes the avoidance of social and ritual interaction, particularly the sharing of drinking vessels, due to deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions.

Etymology

Sygchraomai is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with') and the verb χράομαι (chraomai, meaning 'to use' or 'to have dealings with'). Literally, it means 'to use with' or 'to have dealings in common with.' The prefix intensifies the sense of mutual association or shared activity. It is a relatively rare word in ancient Greek literature.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores a major theme in John's Gospel: Jesus breaking down human barriers to offer salvation to all. In John 4:9, the term encapsulates the social and religious wall between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus' willingness to 'have dealings with' the Samaritan woman models divine grace that transcends ethnic prejudice and ritual purity laws, pointing toward the inclusive nature of the new covenant. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the shocking, counter-cultural nature of Jesus' actions.

In first-century Jewish culture, Samaritans were considered ethnically mixed and religiously schismatic. Orthodox Jews avoided close contact with them to maintain ritual purity, especially avoiding sharing utensils, which could convey impurity. The woman's statement in John 4:9 reflects this widespread social norm. The word συγχράομαι, in this context, specifically connotes this avoidance of common use, particularly of a water vessel, making Jesus' request a deliberate and provocative act.

κοινωνέω (koinōneō, G2841) — emphasizes fellowship, sharing, or partnership, often in a spiritual or material sense, whereas συγχράομαι is more about practical social interaction. ὁμιλέω (homileō, G3656) — means to converse or talk with, focusing on verbal communication rather than broader social dealings. συναναμίγνυμι (synanamignymi, G4874) — means to mix with or associate with, used in 1 Corinthians 5:9, 11 regarding not associating with immoral people, carrying a stronger sense of close companionship.

Word Details

Scripture References