συμπαραλαμβάνω (sumparalambanō)
sumparalambanō
to take along with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumparalambanō describes the act of taking someone along as a companion or associate. Its meaning is built from parts that suggest joining forces: it combines a prefix indicating "together" with another suggesting "beside," and a root meaning "to take." The result is a clear image of moving forward with another person by your side, rather than merely traveling in the same direction.
In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily within the Book of Acts and Galatians. It captures specific moments of partnership in ministry. For instance, Mark takes John along to Jerusalem (Acts 12:25), and Paul considers taking Barnabas on a journey (Acts 15:37). In Galatians 2:1, Paul notes that Titus was taken along with him, highlighting a deliberate choice of companionship in carrying out his mission.
Translators often render this as "took with" or "accompanied," but the Greek carries a sense of active inclusion. It is not passive presence; it is an intentional act of bringing someone into one’s circle for a shared purpose. This distinction helps readers see that early Christian travel was rarely solitary, relying instead on trusted partners to sustain the work.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumparalambanō paints a picture of intentional companionship. It is not just walking near someone; it is actively choosing to bring them along for a shared purpose. In the early church, ministry was rarely a solitary journey. Believers relied on trusted partners to sustain their work and carry out God's mission together.
When Paul took Titus or Barnabas with him, he was demonstrating that spiritual growth and service happen in community. This word reminds us that we are not meant to walk alone. God often provides companions who strengthen our resolve and help us fulfill the tasks He has given us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to take along2×
- having taken with [them]1×
- having taken with [me]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμπαραλαμβάνειν1×
- συμπαραλαβὼν1×
- συμπαραλαβόντες1×
- συμπαραλαβεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:25
Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was called Mark.
This verse shows the practical outcome of partnership, as Saul and Barnabas intentionally include Mark in their return journey to Jerusalem.
-
Galatians 2:1
Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
Paul highlights taking Titus with him to emphasize that his mission involved deliberate inclusion of key companions for authority and support.
-
Acts 15:38
But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to do the work.
This occurrence reveals the tension in ministry partnerships, as Paul refuses to take Mark because he had previously withdrawn from their shared work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sumparalambanō mean in the New Testament?
Why is this word significant in Paul's letters?
How does this word differ from simply traveling together?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Acts 3 verses
Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was…
Acts 15:37Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also.
Acts 15:38But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and…