συνεργός (sunergos)
sunergos
co-worker
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sunergos denotes a fellow worker or partner in labor. It appears thirteen times in the New Testament, primarily within Paul’s letters to Romans, Philippians, and Philemon. The term describes individuals who share in the same task or mission, functioning as companions in effort rather than isolated actors.
Its meaning derives from sun ("with") and ergon ("work"), indicating a shared activity. In Scripture, this partnership is often defined by the person being served. Paul calls Timothy and Epaphroditus his sunergoi, highlighting their direct collaboration in spreading the gospel (Philippians 2:25; Romans 16:3). He also applies the title to God himself, describing believers as God’s co-workers in a spiritual sense (1 Corinthians 3:9).
This word emphasizes unity and mutual responsibility. It is not merely about working near someone, but working alongside them toward a common goal. The sources note its use for those who labor together for the joy of others or for the truth, showing that the partnership extends beyond mere employment into shared spiritual purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read about Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16, or Epaphroditus in Philippians, you see that faith is rarely a solo journey. The Greek word sunergos describes someone who works alongside you, sharing the load and the goal. It reminds us that our spiritual growth often happens in partnership with others who care about the same truth.
This concept extends even to our relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul says we are God’s fellow workers. This means your daily efforts, whether in ministry or ordinary life, have weight and purpose when aligned with His will. You are not just observing; you are participating in something eternal.
It is encouraging to know that your labor is never isolated. Whether you are supporting a friend through a hard season or serving in your local church, you are part of a larger team. This shared mission brings comfort and strength, reminding us that we walk this path together, under God’s guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fellow workers5×
- fellow worker5×
- of [the] fellow workers1×
- fellow workers;1×
- a fellow worker;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεργὸν3×
- συνεργοί2×
- συνεργοὶ2×
- συνεργῷ1×
- συνεργῶν1×
- συνεργός·1×
- συνεργός1×
- συνεργούς1×
- συνεργοί·1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:3
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
This verse establishes the term for close ministry partners like Priscilla and Aquila who shared significant risk and labor in spreading the gospel.
-
I Corinthians 3:9
For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building.
Here the word applies directly to God, showing that believers cooperate with Him as a team building His spiritual house.
-
II Corinthians 1:24
We don’t control your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.
Paul clarifies that fellow workers serve to strengthen others' joy and faith, not to dominate or control their spiritual lives.
-
III John 1:8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
This occurrence highlights the mutual benefit of partnership, where receiving support allows believers to actively work for the truth together.