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συναναμίγνυμι (sunanamignumi)

sunanamignumi

to associate with

G4874 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb sunanamignumi describes mixing together or keeping close company with someone. In the New Testament, it carries a specific social weight, referring to intimate association or fellowship. This meaning is clear in its usage, where it points to more than casual interaction; it implies a shared life or deep connection.

Its components suggest this depth: sun- means "with," and the root relates to mingling or blending. The sources note that it appears in contexts warning against such close ties with certain groups, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:9 and 11, and 2 Thessalonians 3:14. These passages use the word to define boundaries for community conduct, showing how early Christians understood the implications of who they chose to associate with closely.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word sunanamignumi points to a deep mingling of life rather than simple acquaintance. It describes the kind of close fellowship where habits, values, and daily routines blend together. In the early church, this term helped believers understand that who we spend time with shapes who we become. It is not about avoiding people entirely, but about guarding the health of your spiritual walk.

When Scripture warns against associating closely with those who claim faith yet live in unrepentant sin, it protects the community’s integrity. This boundary is not an act of judgment, but a safeguard for love and truth. By choosing our companions wisely, we create space for grace to work without being diluted by destructive patterns.

Ultimately, this word invites us to reflect on the quality of our closest relationships. Are they drawing you closer to Christ or pulling you away? The call is not to isolation, but to intentional fellowship that honors God and nurtures your soul in His truth.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • to mix with1×
  • to associate with [him]1×
  • to associate with1×

Forms in the text

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

  • συναναμίγνυσθαι2×
  • συναναμίγνυσθαι,1×

Key Verses

  • I Corinthians 5:11
    But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person.

    This verse defines the specific boundaries of close association by listing behaviors like sexual sin and greed that make intimate fellowship inappropriate for believers.

  • II Thessalonians 3:14
    If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man and have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.

    Here the word is used as a disciplinary measure, showing that withdrawing close company can be a loving way to prompt repentance in a stubborn brother.

  • I Corinthians 5:9
    I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners;

    This earlier letter clarifies that Paul’s instruction was not about avoiding all sinners in the world, but about maintaining distinct boundaries within the church community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sunanamignumi mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek verb meaning to mix together or keep close company. It implies an intimate level of association where lives and habits blend, rather than just casual social interaction.

Why does Paul warn against associating with certain believers?

In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul warns against close fellowship with those who claim to be brothers but live in unrepentant sin. This protects the church’s moral integrity and prevents harmful behavior from spreading.

Does this mean Christians should isolate themselves?

No. The context in 1 Corinthians 5:9 clarifies that believers are not to avoid all sinners in the world, but must maintain distinct boundaries within the church to preserve its witness and holiness.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 2 books)