συμβασιλεύω
symbasileúō
G4821 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To reign together with someone, to share royal authority or exercise kingship jointly. In specific contexts, can denote the act of co-ruling or participating as a partner in governance or authority, often with the nuance of sharing in dominion or rule, either literally (as in shared political power) or figuratively (such as participation in reign or authority in a metaphorical sense).
Semantic Range
to reign together, to be co-ruler, to exercise authority jointly; figuratively, to share in dominion or eschatological rule
Root / Etymology
From σύν (with, together) and βασιλεύω (to reign, to be king). The compound thus means 'to reign together with' or 'to co-rule.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested usage appears in Hellenistic Greek, where compounds with σύν frequently indicated joint action. In the Septuagint, the term does not occur; its usage is almost exclusively post-classical (Koine) and found in the New Testament (notably 2 Timothy 2:12), as well as in later Christian literature. 'Reign with' in translations can obscure the active, participatory nuance—implying not just the passive receipt of authority but active engagement in ruling. The verb contrasts with rule-related verbs like ἄρχω (to rule, to govern) which may have broader or more general senses of leadership or authority. συμβασιλεύω retains a specifically royal and participatory sense, focusing on joint sovereignty or co-kingship. In New Testament usage, the context is primarily figurative, describing participation in eschatological or spiritual rule, rather than concrete political power. Traditional English translations often read simply 'reign with,' but this may underrepresent the depth of joint participation indicated by the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and βασιλεύω; to be co-regent (figuratively):--reign with.
Root Family
συμβασιλεύω (symbasileuō) — to reign together, to co-rule, to share kingship
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4821-01 |
συνβασιλεύσωμεν | sunbasileusomen | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
might reign | let us reign together | let us reign together | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4821-01 |
1 Corinthians 4:8 | συνβασιλεύσωμεν | sunbasileusomen | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
might reign | let us reign together | let us reign together |
G4821-01 |
2 Timothy 2:12 | συνβασιλεύσομεν | sunbasileusomen | V FUT ACT IND 1P PL |
we will reign with him | let us reign together | we will reign together |