συναπόλλυμι (sunapollumi)
sunapollumi
to die/destroy with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunapollumi describes a shared fate of destruction or death, literally meaning to perish together with others. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 11:31, where it refers to Rahab’s deliverance alongside the Israelite spies. In this context, she did not merely escape alone but was saved as part of the group, avoiding the collective judgment that fell upon her city.
This word combines the prefix sun- ("with") with apollumi ("to destroy or lose"). While apollumi often signifies total ruin, the addition of sun- emphasizes the communal aspect of the outcome. The sources note its usage in the Septuagint for the Hebrew root safah, which also conveys sweeping destruction. Here, it highlights that salvation can involve being preserved in company with others rather than isolated from them.
Translators typically render this as "perished together" or "destroyed along with," capturing the idea of a joint destiny. The term underscores that in biblical narratives, individual outcomes are sometimes tied to the fate of a community. Rahab’s story illustrates how one person’s faith can result in being included in the preservation of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunapollumi reminds us that our spiritual journey is rarely a solitary one. It literally means to perish or be destroyed together with others, highlighting how individual fates are often tied to the community around us. In Hebrews 11:31, we see Rahab saved not in isolation, but alongside the spies she protected. This shows that faith often places us within a larger story of preservation and grace.
For your daily walk, this offers comfort. You are not facing life's challenges or spiritual battles alone. Just as Rahab was included in the deliverance of the spies, you are part of a body where others' faith can intersect with your own survival and hope. We are woven together, sharing both burdens and blessings.
This shared destiny points to the beauty of Christian community. When we stand firm in trust, we often find ourselves preserved alongside others who do the same. It is a gentle reminder that our individual steps matter, but they also ripple outward, connecting us to a wider tapestry of faith where no one walks alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- did perish with1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συναπώλετο1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:31
By faith Rahab the prostitute didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.
This verse uses sunapollumi to show Rahab was spared from the collective judgment that fell on Jericho, emphasizing her inclusion in the spies' deliverance rather than just personal escape.