συμπαρακαλέω (sumparakaleō)
sumparakaleō
to encourage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumparakaleō describes a shared experience of encouragement, combining the prefix syn ("together") with parakaleō ("to call alongside" or comfort). It does not refer to solitary consolation but to mutual strengthening among believers. This sense of communal support is rare in the New Testament, appearing only once in Romans 1:12.
In that passage, Paul expresses his desire to be mutually encouraged with the Roman Christians. The word highlights a reciprocal dynamic where giving and receiving comfort are intertwined. Rather than one person uplifting another from a position of strength, both parties engage in a joint effort to build up faith through shared presence and exhortation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Encouragement in the Christian life is rarely a one-way street. The word sumparakaleō reminds us that we are called to strengthen each other, not just receive strength from others. In Romans 1:12, Paul expresses his desire for mutual encouragement with the Roman believers. This shows that even an apostle needed the faith of others to grow stronger.
This shared experience of comfort is a gift for your daily walk. When you face difficulties, remember that you are not alone in your struggles or your joys. Your faith can encourage someone else, just as their faith encourages you. This reciprocal dynamic builds up the community and deepens our trust in God’s presence among us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be encouraged together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμπαρακληθῆναι1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:12
that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Paul uses this rare term to describe his desire for mutual spiritual strengthening with the Roman believers, highlighting that giving and receiving encouragement are intertwined.