συνακολουθέω (sunakoloutheō)
sunakoloutheō
to accompany
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunakoloutheō means to accompany or follow along with someone. It combines the prefix syn-, indicating togetherness, with akoloutheō, which generally means to follow. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, always in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, describing physical presence alongside another person.
Its usage is notably specific. In Mark 5:37, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to accompany Him into a room, setting them apart as witnesses. Later, in Mark 14:51, a young man flees the arrest scene naked, having been following along with Jesus but now leaving Him behind. Luke 23:49 records women standing at a distance, watching these events unfold.
This word highlights the value of shared presence. It is not merely about trailing behind, but moving in company. The brief appearances of this term show that companionship can be intentional, as with the disciples, or accidental and fleeting, as with the young man. The focus remains on the act of being together during significant moments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunakoloutheō simply means to accompany someone, emphasizing physical presence alongside another person. It combines the idea of being together with the act of following. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, always in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. These brief instances highlight that companionship is not just about trailing behind, but about moving in company during significant moments.
In Mark 5:37, Jesus intentionally allows only Peter, James, and John to accompany Him into a room. This shows that shared presence can be a deliberate choice for witness and support. Conversely, Mark 14:51 describes a young man who had been following along but flees naked when danger arrives. His departure contrasts sharply with the intentional companionship of the disciples.
Luke 23:49 records women who followed with Jesus from Galilee, standing at a distance to watch the crucifixion. Their presence demonstrates loyalty even in fear and uncertainty. These examples remind us that accompanying others is a valuable part of Christian life, whether we are called to stand firm or simply to be present with those who are suffering.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was accompanying1×
- to follow1×
- having followed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνηκολούθει1×
- συνακολουθῆσαι1×
- συνακολουθοῦσαι1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:37
He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
Jesus restricts accompaniment to three disciples, highlighting intentional presence for witnessing a miracle.
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Mark 14:51
A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him,
A young man who had been following along flees naked, showing how easily companionship can be abandoned under pressure.
-
Luke 23:49
All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.
Women who followed with Jesus from Galilee stand at a distance, demonstrating loyal presence even during His arrest and death.