σύνδουλος (sundoulos)
sundoulos
fellow slave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word sundoulos literally means "fellow slave" or "co-servant." It combines a prefix meaning "with" and the noun for "slave," creating a term that emphasizes shared status under a single master. In the New Testament, it appears ten times, primarily in Matthew, Revelation, and Colossians, to describe people who serve the same Lord.
This term highlights equality in service rather than hierarchy. Jesus uses it in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:28-33) to show how one servant should treat another, reminding them they share the same Master. Paul also calls Epaphras and Archippus his sundoulos, noting their joint labor in spreading the gospel (Colossians 1:7; 4:7). Even angels are described as fellow servants of believers in Revelation (19:10; 22:9), underscoring that all creation serves God together.
The word carries significant theological weight by flattening social and spiritual distinctions. Whether referring to human coworkers in ministry or angelic beings, sundoulos reminds readers that everyone stands on equal footing before Christ. This perspective fosters humility and mutual respect among believers, as no one servant is greater than another in the eyes of their shared Master.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sundoulos reminds us that in Christ, we share a common identity as servants of the same Lord. It strips away human titles and status, placing everyone on equal ground before God. This perspective invites humility, knowing that no one servant is greater than another in the eyes of our shared Master.
When we serve alongside others, whether in ministry or daily life, this truth encourages mutual respect. Jesus used it to teach forgiveness, showing that how we treat fellow servants reflects our understanding of God’s mercy toward us. It calls us to kindness, patience, and grace in all relationships.
This shared service creates a bond of unity among believers. Whether working with coworkers or standing with fellow Christians in faith, sundoulos reminds us that we are part of one body, serving one King. This hope unites us across differences and strengthens our witness to the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fellow servants4×
- fellow servant2×
- fellow bond-servant2×
- Fellow servant1×
- A fellow servant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύνδουλός2×
- σύνδουλος2×
- σύνδουλοι2×
- σύνδουλόν1×
- συνδούλων1×
- συνδούλους1×
- συνδούλου1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 18:33
Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’
Jesus uses this term to challenge the unforgiving servant, showing that receiving mercy obligates us to extend it to fellow servants.
-
Colossians 1:7
even as you learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf,
Paul describes Epaphras as a fellow servant, highlighting the shared labor and equality in spreading the gospel.
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Revelation of John 19:10
I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”
An angel corrects John by calling himself a fellow bondservant, redirecting worship solely to God and emphasizing equal standing before Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sundoulos mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus use this word in Matthew 18?
How is sundoulos different from other words for servant?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 5 verses
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him…
Matthew 18:29“So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’
Matthew 18:31So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was…
Matthew 18:33Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’
Matthew 24:49and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards,