συνδέω

I bind together

Definition

The verb συνδέω means 'to bind together' or 'to tie together.' In its literal sense, it refers to the physical act of binding objects or people, often with chains or ropes. In the New Testament, its only occurrence is in Hebrews 13:3, where it is used in a passive sense to describe being 'bound with' someone, specifically fellow believers suffering as prisoners. This extends the meaning to a metaphorical bond of shared experience and solidarity within the Christian community.

Biblical Usage

Συνδέω is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 13:3. The context is an exhortation to remember those in prison as if the readers themselves were 'bound together with' (συνδεδεμένοι) them. This singular usage is metaphorical, applying the concept of physical binding to the spiritual and empathetic connection believers are to have with persecuted members of the body of Christ.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the common verb δέω (deō, G1210), meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie.' Its construction directly conveys the idea of binding together. Cognates include δεσμός (desmos, G1199), meaning 'a bond' or 'chain.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the New Testament ethic of profound Christian solidarity. In Hebrews 13:3, it moves beyond mere sympathy to a call for identification—seeing oneself as spiritually 'bound together with' suffering brothers and sisters. This reinforces doctrines of the unity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:26) and the practical outworking of love within the church. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intended depth of communal responsibility and shared fate among believers.

In the 1st-century Roman world, imprisonment often involved being chained or bound to a guard or other prisoners. The metaphor of being 'bound together' would have been a vivid, tangible image for the original audience, conveying not just emotional sympathy but a shared, concrete reality of suffering and restriction. This cultural context amplifies the force of the command in Hebrews.

δέω (deō, G1210) — The root verb meaning simply 'to bind,' without the connotation of 'togetherness.' συνδέω adds the communal element. δεσμέω (desmeō, G1195) — A near synonym meaning 'to bind' or 'to put in chains,' often used in literal contexts of imprisonment (e.g., Matthew 23:4).

Word Details

Scripture References