συνεγείρω (sunegeirō)
sunegeirō
to raise up with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunegeirō means to raise up together, combining a prefix for "with" and a root meaning "to awaken or rouse." In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians. It describes the believer’s spiritual resurrection alongside Christ, moving from death into a new life dedicated to God.
This word carries significant theological weight by emphasizing union. It is not merely about individual salvation but about being lifted up in concert with Jesus. For instance, Ephesians 2:6 states that God raised believers up with Christ and seated them with Him in the heavenly realms. Similarly, Colossians 3:1 urges Christians to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at God’s right hand.
The term highlights a present spiritual reality rather than just a future hope. By using this specific verb, Paul connects the believer’s current standing with Christ’s own victory over death. The imagery suggests that those who are in Him share in His exalted position now, even while living on earth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word paints a picture of shared destiny. When Paul uses it, he reminds us that our spiritual life is not a solitary climb but a joint ascent with Jesus. We do not rise alone; we are lifted up in concert with Him. This truth anchors our identity. Even when the world feels heavy or uncertain, our standing is secure because it is tied to Christ’s victory over death.
Consider Ephesians 2:6. It tells us that God has seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. This is not just a future promise but a present reality. Your current position is already exalted in Christ. This perspective shifts how we view our daily struggles, knowing that our true life is hidden with Him.
Colossians 3:1 builds on this by urging us to seek the things above. Because we have been raised together with Christ, our minds can rest on what is eternal rather than what is temporary. This invitation allows us to live with confidence and peace, grounded in the fact that we share in His exalted life right now.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you were raised with [Him]1×
- you have been raised with1×
- He raised [us] up together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνηγέρθητε2×
- συνήγειρεν1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:6
and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
This verse establishes the believer's current exalted position, showing that being raised with Christ includes being seated with Him in heavenly realms.
-
Colossians 3:1
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Here the word serves as the basis for ethical instruction, linking our shared resurrection life to the practical command of seeking heavenly things.
-
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
This occurrence connects the spiritual reality of being raised with Christ directly to the believer's faith in God's power that raised Jesus from the dead.