συναπάγω (sunapagō)
sunapagō
to lead away with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunapagō literally means to lead away together, but in Scripture it shifts from physical movement to psychological influence. It describes being carried along by external forces or social pressures, often implying a loss of independent judgment. This passive sense appears when believers are swept up by the behavior of others, as seen when Paul notes that even Barnabas was led astray by the hypocrisy of certain Jews in Galatians 2:13.
The word carries a strong connotation of yielding to a current rather than steering against it. In 2 Peter 3:17, it warns believers not to be carried away by the error of lawless people, suggesting a dangerous drift from truth. Conversely, in Romans 12:16, Paul uses the active sense to encourage humility, urging Christians to willingly associate with those of low position, effectively "condescending" to share in their circumstances.
This term captures the tension between social conformity and spiritual integrity. It highlights how easily individuals can be swept into collective patterns of behavior, whether for good or ill. The word serves as a reminder that community influence is powerful, requiring intentional effort to maintain personal conviction amidst group dynamics.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunapagō paints a vivid picture of influence. It describes the gentle but powerful pull of a crowd, where we find ourselves moving in a direction we did not originally choose. This happens when social pressure overrides our personal convictions, leading us to adopt behaviors or beliefs that feel comfortable in the moment but drift from truth.
Scripture acknowledges this human vulnerability without shame. In Galatians, even respected leaders like Barnabas were swept up by group dynamics. Yet, the same word appears in Romans as a positive call to humility, urging us to willingly step down into the lives of others with compassion. The tension lies in choosing which current we allow to carry us.
For your daily walk, this invites a quiet check-in. Are you moving because you believe it is right, or because everyone else is walking that way? You are invited to pause, seek wisdom, and anchor your steps in what endures rather than what merely fits in.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was carried away1×
- having been led away1×
- going along.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συναπήχθη1×
- συναπαχθέντες1×
- συναπαγόμενοι.1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 2:13
And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
This verse illustrates the danger of social conformity, showing how even a mature leader can be swept away by the hypocrisy of a group.
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II Peter 3:17
You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.
Here the word warns believers against being passively carried off course by false teaching, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance.
-
Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
Paul uses the active sense of the word to encourage intentional humility, urging Christians to willingly associate with those of lower status.