συμπεριλαμβάνω (sumperilambanō)
sumperilambanō
to embrace
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb sumperilambanō carries the sense of enclosing or embracing someone completely. Its structure combines a prefix meaning "with" or "together" with a root related to taking hold, suggesting an action that is thorough and inclusive. While it appears only once in the New Testament, its usage paints a vivid picture of physical care and support.
In Acts 20:10, Paul uses this word when he goes down to the young man Eutychus, who had fallen from a window during a long sermon. The text says Paul went down, embraced him, and took him home alive. Here, the verb describes more than just a hug; it implies gathering the person securely into one’s arms, restoring them to safety and community after a moment of crisis.
Translators typically render this as "embraced" or "took hold of," capturing both the physical act and the comforting intent. The word emphasizes wholeness—the idea that Paul did not just check on Eutychus but fully engaged with him to bring him back into the fold. This single instance highlights how language can convey deep human connection through simple, decisive action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumperilambanō describes a complete embrace, one that gathers someone fully into safety. In Acts 20:10, Paul uses this action after Eutychus falls from a window during a long meeting. This was not a casual gesture but a deliberate act of care that restored the young man to his community.
For your faith life, this reminds us that God’s care is thorough. He does not leave us in our moments of crisis or confusion. When you feel overwhelmed or fallen, remember that His embrace is intended to bring wholeness and peace. You are held securely, not just observed from a distance.
This simple act of physical comfort points to a deeper spiritual truth. We are invited to extend similar care to others, offering presence and support when they stumble. It is a gentle invitation to trust in the One who gathers us back with love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having embraced [him]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμπεριλαβὼν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:10
Paul went down and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his life is in him.”
This occurrence matters because it shows the word used for Paul's physical act of restoring Eutychus to life and community after a sudden fall.