σύμψυχος
sýmpsychos
G4861 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Closely united in spirit or disposition; having shared feelings, thoughts, or concern for another. The term conveys a deep sense of internal agreement, harmony, or sympathetic unity, especially in reference to attitudes and aims. Beyond mere outward agreement, it points to a profound inward likeness or alignment of feeling among individuals.
Semantic Range
closely united in spirit, harmonious in disposition, sharing deep concern, like-minded, of one mind or feeling, mutually sympathetic
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition σύν (with, together) and ψυχή (soul, life, mind, disposition); literally 'with the same soul' or 'sharing a soul.' No evidence for direct derivation from non-Greek sources; fully Greek in formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term σύμψυχος is rare in surviving Greek literature, attested primarily in Hellenistic and early Christian writings (notably Philippians 2:2). It builds on a common Greek practice of describing states of harmony or discord using ψυχή in combination with prepositions (e.g., ὁμόψυχος, νόμος). In the New Testament, it describes a state of internal unity or mutual concern among members of the community, emphasizing shared intentions and deepest personal feelings. Classical Greek rarely uses this exact compound, but similar expressions address unity of mind or spirit (ὁμόφρων, ὁμοθυμαδόν, ὁμόψυχος), often connected to ideals of fellowship, friendship, or civic unity. English translations often render σύμψυχος as 'like-minded' or 'one in spirit,' though the nuance of inward harmony and shared feeling is broader than mere agreement in opinion. The imagery reflects the Greco-Roman and early Christian value placed on concord and communal empathy as virtues.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and ψυχή; co-spirited, i.e. similar in sentiment:--like-minded.
Root Family
συνψυχ- (sýmpsychos) — to share soul, to unite in spirit, to be of one disposition
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4861-01 |
σύνψυχοι | sunpsuchoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
united in spirit | sharing one soul | sharing one soul | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4861-01 |
Philippians 2:2 | σύνψυχοι | sunpsuchoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
united in spirit | sharing one soul | sharing one soul |