σύντροφος (suntrophos)
suntrophos
brought up with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun suntrophos describes someone who has been nourished or raised alongside another person. Derived from roots meaning "with" and "nourishment," it literally refers to a foster-brother or a companion from childhood. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Acts 13:1, where it identifies Barnabas as a fellow worker with Paul.
While the literal sense emphasizes shared upbringing, Hellenistic usage also applied the word to intimate friends of royalty, suggesting a deep, personal bond formed through close proximity. The text highlights Barnabas not just as a colleague, but as someone who had grown up in the same spiritual and communal environment as Paul, underscoring the closeness of their partnership in early Christian ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word suntrophos paints a picture of deep, shared history. It describes someone who has been nourished or raised alongside another, like a foster brother or childhood companion. In Acts 13:1, it identifies Manaen as having grown up in the same environment as Herod, yet choosing to serve in the church alongside Barnabas and Saul. This suggests that our closest bonds are often formed through shared experiences and mutual growth.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that ministry is rarely a solo journey. We are shaped by those who walk beside us, sharing meals, struggles, and victories. Whether it is a friend from childhood or a colleague in service, these relationships provide the nourishment needed to stay grounded. It invites you to value the people God has placed in your life, recognizing that their presence is part of His care for you.
When we feel isolated, recall that God often provides companionship to sustain us. These connections are not accidental but intentional parts of our spiritual formation. May you find encouragement in knowing that you are never alone in your walk, supported by a community that helps you grow in grace and truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brought up —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύντροφος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:1
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where suntrophos identifies Manaen as having been raised with Herod, highlighting a unique personal bond that persisted into his service in the Antioch church.