σύν (sun)
sun
with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 126 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The preposition sun means "with" or "together with," expressing a close association or union between people, things, or ideas. It takes the dative case to show who or what is involved in that shared space or activity. Unlike more general terms for accompaniment, sun implies a tighter bond, often suggesting inclusion or participation in a common experience.
Although it appears frequently in compounds like synchaireō ("rejoice together") and syntelesō ("complete together"), its standalone use is relatively rare in the New Testament. It is most prominent in Luke’s writings and Paul’s letters, whereas Matthew, Mark, and John use it sparingly. This distribution reflects a broader linguistic shift in Koine Greek, where sun gradually gave way to meta with the genitive case for many contexts of association.
Its theological weight lies in its emphasis on shared presence. When Paul writes that he wants to depart and be "with Christ" (Philippians 1:23), or when Luke notes that the disciples were "with" Jesus in the upper room, the word conveys more than physical proximity. It signals a relational unity. Translators often render it simply as "with," but the Greek carries the sense of being joined to someone or something in a meaningful way.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word syn carries the simple but profound meaning of "with." It describes a close association where two or more parties share an experience, space, or purpose. In the New Testament, this preposition often signals more than just physical proximity; it implies a genuine union or participation in what another is doing. When Jesus invites his followers to take up their cross, he uses this concept to describe walking alongside him in discipleship.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort in the reality of shared presence. It reminds us that we do not walk through trials alone. The biblical writers use syn to show how Jesus sat with his disciples, how Mary stayed with Elizabeth, and how believers are united with Christ. This shared bond means that your journey is accompanied by God’s grace and the support of the community of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 126 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with123×
- along with4×
- with the1×
- together with1×
- by1×
- [were] with1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σὺν130×
- σύν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:14
When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.
This verse highlights Jesus intentionally sharing a meal with his twelve apostles, emphasizing intimate fellowship and shared purpose before his arrest.
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Mark 8:34
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Here the word underscores the call to follow Jesus as a disciple, linking personal denial of self directly to accompanying him in suffering and service.
-
Luke 1:56
Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.
Mary’s stay with Elizabeth demonstrates a practical, supportive union where shared experience strengthens faith during a significant season of life.
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Matthew 27:38
Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.
The robbers were crucified alongside Jesus, illustrating a grim but undeniable physical proximity to the central figure of salvation history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word syn mean?
How is syn different from other words for "with"?
Where does syn appear most often in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (126 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 4 verses
You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own…
Matthew 26:35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.
Matthew 27:38Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.
Matthew 27:44The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.