συναπόλλυμι

I perish along with

Definition

συναπόλλυμι means 'to perish together with' or 'to be destroyed along with.' It denotes a shared or collective destruction, where one party's fate is inextricably linked to another's. In its sole New Testament occurrence, Hebrews 11:31, it describes Rahab's deliverance from the destruction of Jericho because she aligned herself with the Israelite spies, thus not perishing with the disobedient. The word emphasizes that her salvation was contingent on her association with God's people, avoiding the common ruin that befell her city.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 11:31, within the 'Hall of Faith' chapter. It appears in the context of Rahab's story, highlighting her faith-driven action of welcoming the spies. The usage underscores a contrast: by siding with the Israelites, she did not 'perish together with' those who were disobedient in Jericho. This singular instance ties the word to themes of faith, divine judgment, and deliverance based on association.

Etymology

συναπόλλυμι is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn, G4862), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, G622), meaning 'to destroy,' 'to perish,' or 'to lose.' The combination intensifies the sense of mutual or shared destruction. Cognates like ἀπόλλυμι appear frequently in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 10:28 for perishing, Luke 15:24 for being lost), but συναπόλλυμι specifically adds the communal aspect.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates the biblical principle of corporate solidarity in judgment or salvation. In Hebrews 11:31, it shows that deliverance from divine judgment depends on faith and alignment with God's covenant people. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting how individual fate can be determined by association—either with the world under judgment or with the community of faith. It echoes themes seen in narratives like Lot's rescue from Sodom (Genesis 19) and has implications for doctrines of salvation and eschatological judgment.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities like Jericho were often destroyed entirely as an act of divine judgment or warfare, with inhabitants sharing a common fate. Rahab's story reflects a cultural understanding where hospitality and alliances could alter one's destiny. Her identification with Israel, despite being a Canaanite, broke ethnic and cultural barriers, showcasing that faith, not background, was key to escaping collective ruin. This contrasts with modern individualistic views of destiny.

ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, G622) — a more general term for perishing or being destroyed, without the explicit 'together with' nuance; ἀπώλεια (apōleia, G684) — a noun meaning destruction or ruin, often referring to the state or result of perishing.

Word Details

Scripture References