συναιχμάλωτος (sunaichmalōtos)
sunaichmalōtos
fellow prisoner
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sunaichmalōtos describes a fellow prisoner or captive. It combines the prefix syn-, meaning "with" or "together," with aicimalōtos, which refers to one taken in war. This etymology highlights a shared experience of confinement and loss of liberty, rather than just a temporary legal status.
Scripture uses this term only three times, all within Paul’s letters: Romans 16:7, Colossians 4:10, and Philemon 23. In these contexts, it identifies individuals who share the apostle’s imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. The word emphasizes solidarity among believers who suffer together, framing their captivity as a common bond rather than an isolated hardship.
Translators typically render this word as "fellow prisoner." This choice captures both the physical reality of incarceration and the relational unity Paul describes. The term appears in personal greetings, reminding readers that Christian community persists even within the constraints of jail walls.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunaichmalōtos describes a fellow prisoner, combining 'with' and 'captivity.' It appears only three times in Paul’s letters, always naming those who share his chains for the gospel. This is not just a legal status but a deep bond of shared suffering and solidarity.
When Paul greets Andronicus, Junia, Aristarchus, or Epaphras as fellow prisoners, he reminds us that faithfulness often comes with cost. Yet this cost is never borne alone. Your struggles and sacrifices are seen by God and connected to a wider community of believers who stand with you.
This word invites you to see your hardships not as isolation, but as part of a shared journey. Even in confinement, Christian love persists. You are never truly alone when you walk in step with Christ and His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fellow prisoner2×
- fellow prisoners1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συναιχμάλωτός2×
- συναιχμαλώτους1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
Paul highlights Andronicus and Junia as fellow prisoners who were also in Christ before him, showing that shared faithfulness predates their joint suffering.
-
Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
Aristarchus is called a fellow prisoner while Paul sends greetings to the Colossians, linking his physical captivity with pastoral care for distant believers.
-
Philemon 1:23
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
Epaphras is described as a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that their shared bondage is rooted specifically in their union with Christ.