συγκαταβαίνω
synkatabaínō
G4782 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To go down together with someone; to descend or move downward in company with another person or group. The verb primarily expresses the idea of physically moving from a higher position to a lower one, accompanied by another party. In some contexts, it may carry the connotation of joining with others in a downward journey or participation in a descent, either literal or metaphorical.
Semantic Range
to descend in company with, to go down together, to move downward along with someone, to accompany in descent, to travel or journey to a lower place with another
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition σύν ('with, together with') and the verb καταβαίνω ('to go down, to descend'). The prepositional prefix strengthens the sense of accompaniment.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb συγκαταβαίνω is rare and occurs primarily in later Koine Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., Luke 2:51) and the Septuagint. Its base components—σύν ('with') and καταβαίνω ('to descend')—are both common, but the compound here emphasizes accompanying descent, not independent action. Often used for physical movement, especially referring to traveling from an elevated place (such as Jerusalem or a city set on a hill) downward with others. It is not used metaphorically in attested sources, but the construction could in theory allow for figurative senses. English translations typically render this simply as 'go down with,' but Greek can mark a more deliberate emphasis on accompanying rather than parallel action. The verb may be contrasted with simple καταβαίνω (to go down/disembark) when the company or accompaniment is significant. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, such compounds underscore communal action. The term does not carry specialized religious or technical meaning beyond its literal sense of joint descent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and καταβαίνω; to descend in company with:--go down with.
Root Family
συγκαταβαίνω (synkatabainō) — to go down together, to descend with, to accompany in descent
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4782-01 |
συνκαταβάντες | sunkatabantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having gone down together | having gone down together | having gone down together | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4782-01 |
Acts 25:5 | συνκαταβάντες | sunkatabantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having gone down together | having gone down together | having gone down together |