συμμιμητής (summimētēs)
summimētēs
co-imitator
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun summimētēs translates as "co-imitator" or "fellow-partner in imitation." It describes a relationship where one person invites another to follow their example, not merely as an observer but as a shared participant in a specific way of life. The word combines the prefix syn ("together with") and mimētēs ("imitator"), emphasizing that the act of following is done in common.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 3:17. Here, the apostle Paul urges believers to join him in imitating his own conduct, which reflects Christ. The usage highlights a chain of influence: the community looks to Paul, who himself looks to Jesus. It suggests that Christian maturity involves actively modeling one’s life after those who are already walking faithfully.
Unlike simple mimicry, this concept implies a deliberate, communal pursuit of holiness. By calling others "co-imitators," Paul establishes a mutual responsibility where believers encourage each other to maintain the standards they have received. The word underscores that spiritual growth is often relational, shaped by watching and following the faithful examples set before us.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Paul called his friends his 'co-imitators,' it reveals a beautiful truth about Christian growth: we do not walk this path alone. The word combines ideas of walking together and following an example, showing that our faith is shaped by community. We are invited to watch how others live out their trust in Jesus, and in turn, to offer our own lives as a model for those coming behind us.
This mutual encouragement helps us stay steady when the road gets rough. By looking at faithful believers who reflect Christ’s character, we learn practical ways to love, serve, and endure. It is not about perfect performance, but about shared direction. We find strength in knowing that others are walking the same way, pointing us all toward the hope found in Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Imitators together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Συμμιμηταί1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 3:17
Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where Paul explicitly invites believers to join him in following his example of Christ-like conduct.