συγκεράννυμι (sugkerannumi)
sugkerannumi
to unite
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sugkerannumi means to mix or blend things together so they form a single, unified whole. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts describing how distinct parts are combined into an organic structure. In 1 Corinthians 12:24, Paul uses it to explain how God has arranged the body, giving greater honor to the weaker parts so that there may be no division.
Its etymology combines a prefix meaning "together" with a root related to mixing or blending. This suggests a thorough integration rather than a simple side-by-side placement. The word implies that the resulting unity is cohesive and functional, where each component retains its identity but contributes to the life of the whole.
In Hebrews 4:2, the text notes that the message did not profit those who did not combine it with faith. Here the participle describes a blending of hearing and belief, suggesting that true understanding requires an internal mixing of truth with trust. The sources highlight this as a characteristic usage where external information becomes effective only when united with an internal response.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we feel fragmented or disconnected from others, this word offers a gentle reminder of how God designs community. In 1 Corinthians 12:24, Paul uses it to describe how God composes the body together. He does not just place parts side by side; He blends them into a single, functioning whole. The weaker or less visible members receive greater honor, ensuring that every person has a vital role in the unity of the group.
On a personal level, this concept challenges how we receive truth. Hebrews 4:2 shows that hearing a message is not enough if it remains separate from our hearts. The word implies mixing external information with internal trust. When faith blends with what we hear, the teaching becomes effective and life-giving rather than just another piece of data.
This blending process invites us to look at our relationships and our spiritual habits with new eyes. We are not meant to stand alone or merely listen passively. Instead, we are called to integrate our lives with one another and to let truth take root through active belief. This creates a stability that withstands the pressures of daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- united with1×
- [who] has composed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεκέρασεν1×
- συγκεκερασμένους1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 12:24
while our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,
Paul uses this verb to show how God actively composes the church, ensuring that even weaker parts are honored to maintain unity.
-
Hebrews 4:2
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard.
The text explains that hearing the message only profits when it is thoroughly mixed with faith by those who listen.