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σύμφυτος (sumphutos)

sumphutos

united

G4854 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective sumphutos describes a deep, organic union where two things are "grown together" or share a common origin. Derived from roots meaning "together" and "growth," it suggests that the connection is not merely external but intrinsic, like parts of the same living organism.

In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Romans 6:5. Paul uses it to explain the believer's relationship with Christ’s death and resurrection. He argues that just as our physical bodies are naturally connected to one another, our spiritual lives are innately united with Jesus’ own experience of dying and rising.

This usage highlights a permanent bond rather than a temporary association. The imagery implies that separation is impossible because the union is congenital; we share in His life by nature of this divine connection. It portrays salvation as an inseparable joining to Christ’s redemptive work.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word sumphutos paints a picture of something grown together, like branches on a vine or roots intertwined in soil. It suggests that our connection to Christ is not just a legal agreement or a distant admiration, but a living, organic bond. When we trust in Jesus, we are grafted into His life so deeply that what happened to Him becomes part of our spiritual reality.

This truth offers profound comfort. Just as you cannot separate the fruit from the branch without killing it, you cannot be separated from Christ’s victory over death. Your past sins were buried with Him, and your new life rises with Him. This union is secure because it is rooted in His resurrection power, not your fluctuating performance.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • united1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • σύμφυτοι1×

Key Verses

  • Romans 6:5
    For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;

    This verse uses sumphutos to describe the inseparable link between our spiritual life and Christ's death and resurrection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sumphutos mean in the Bible?

Sumphutos is a Greek adjective meaning 'grown together' or 'united.' It appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 6:5. The word describes an organic, intrinsic connection between believers and Christ, similar to how parts of a plant are naturally joined.

How is sumphutos different from other words for union?

While other Greek words might mean joining by agreement or external association, sumphutos implies a natural, internal growth. It suggests that the connection is part of our new spiritual nature, not just a status we hold.

Why does Paul use this word in Romans 6?

Paul uses it to explain that believers are so deeply connected to Jesus that His death and resurrection become ours. This union means we share in His victory over sin and death, providing a foundation for holy living.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)