συμβασιλεύω (sumbasileuō)
sumbasileuō
to reign with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumbasileuō means to reign together with someone, combining the prefix for "with" and the root for "kingdom." It appears only twice in the New Testament, carrying a sense of shared royal authority or privilege rather than independent rule.
In 2 Timothy 2:12, Paul uses it to describe the believer's future hope: if we endure hardship now, we will also reign with Christ. This usage suggests that present suffering is linked to a future participation in Jesus’ victorious kingdom. Similarly, in Revelation 3:21, the promise to the overcomer is to sit with Jesus on His throne, echoing the same idea of intimate, shared rule.
The word emphasizes partnership and proximity to Christ’s glory. It is not merely about ruling over others, but about sharing in the honor and authority of the King himself. This concept encourages believers that their current struggles are temporary, while their future destiny is one of exalted fellowship with Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word συμβασιλεύω carries a beautiful promise of shared destiny. It does not describe solitary rule, but intimate partnership with Jesus. When Paul uses this term in 2 Timothy 2:12, he connects our present endurance to a future reality where we share in Christ’s authority. This is not about power over others, but closeness to the King.
Even when life feels heavy or unjust, this truth anchors our hope. Your struggles are not meaningless; they are part of a story that ends in glory. To reign with Him means to participate in His victory, sitting beside Him rather than being left behind. This shared honor is a gift prepared for those who remain faithful.
Let this assurance steady your heart today. You are not alone in your journey. The One who suffered for you has prepared a place where you will share in His reign. Rest in that promise, knowing your faithfulness is seen and valued by the King.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we will reign with [Him];1×
- may reign with.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμβασιλεύσωμεν.1×
- συμβασιλεύσομεν·1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 2:12
If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
This verse explicitly links enduring present hardship with the future privilege of reigning alongside Christ.
-
I Corinthians 4:8
You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you!
Paul uses this term ironically here to correct the Corinthian church’s false sense of already having reached full spiritual maturity and royal status.