συναθλέω (sunathleō)
sunathleō
to contend
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunathleō describes a shared struggle or competition, literally meaning to contend alongside someone else. It carries the sense of vigorous cooperation in a difficult effort, rather than solitary action. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
In Philippians 1:27, Paul urges believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel by striving together with one spirit. Here, the term emphasizes unity in facing external opposition or internal challenges. Later, in Philippians 4:3, he asks a companion to help those women who have contended at his side in the cause of the gospel. This usage highlights partnership in ministry labor.
The word combines a prefix meaning "with" and a root related to athletic contest or struggle. It suggests that spiritual battles are not meant to be fought alone. Instead, Christians are called to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with others in their faith journey. Translators often render it as "fellow-contender" or "struggle together," capturing the active, collaborative nature of this shared commitment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunathleō reminds us that faith is rarely a solo sport. It describes standing shoulder-to-shoulder with others in a shared struggle, like athletes competing together rather than running alone. This image shifts our focus from individual endurance to communal support.
When challenges arise, we are not expected to face them in isolation. Instead, we are called to stand firm alongside fellow believers, united by a common purpose. This partnership strengthens us, allowing the gospel to be lived out through mutual effort and shared resolve.
May you find encouragement in knowing that your struggles are shared. As you walk this path, lean on those around you, for there is strength and grace found in standing together for the truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- striving together1×
- labored together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνήθλησάν1×
- συναθλοῦντες1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 1:27
Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;
This verse establishes the core command to stand firm together in one spirit, highlighting unity as essential to worthy living.
-
Philippians 4:3
Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Here Paul acknowledges specific women who labored alongside him, showing that this shared struggle includes active ministry partnership.