συνεργέω

I work together

Definition

The verb συνεργέω means to work together, cooperate, or collaborate toward a common goal. In the New Testament, it primarily describes God and humans working in partnership, as in Romans 8:28, where God works all things together for good for those who love Him. It also refers to believers cooperating with each other in ministry, such as in 1 Corinthians 16:16, where Paul urges submission to those who 'work together' for the gospel. In James 2:22, faith is shown to be 'working together' with Abraham's works, demonstrating their inseparable partnership in genuine belief.

Biblical Usage

This word is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Mark 16:20), epistolary (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians), and wisdom (James) contexts. It consistently describes a cooperative relationship. In Mark 16:20, the Lord works together with the disciples by confirming their message. In 2 Corinthians 6:1, Paul appeals for believers not to receive God's grace in vain but to cooperate with Him. The usage emphasizes active partnership, whether between God and people or among believers themselves.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai), meaning 'to work' or 'to do.' It is a compound word literally meaning 'to work with.' Cognates include συνεργός (synergos, G4904), meaning 'fellow worker,' highlighting the relational and collaborative nature inherent in the root meaning.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the biblical concept of synergy—God's sovereignty working in conjunction with human responsibility. It enriches the understanding of divine providence (Romans 8:28), the nature of saving faith as active (James 2:22), and the cooperative dynamic of Christian ministry. It challenges passive spirituality, emphasizing that believers are called to be active partners with God and each other in His redemptive work.

In the Greco-Roman world, cooperative labor was essential in agriculture, construction, and civic projects. The concept of working together for a common cause was highly valued. The New Testament usage elevates this common cultural idea to describe the spiritual partnership between the divine and the human, a concept that would have been striking in a context where gods were often seen as distant or capricious.

συνεργός (synergos, G4904) — A noun meaning 'fellow worker,' focusing on the person in the partnership rather than the action. κοινωνέω (koinōneō, G2841) — Means 'to share, participate, have fellowship,' emphasizing partnership in a broader, often more communal sense than active labor.

Word Details

Scripture References