σύσσωμος
sýssōmos
G4954 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Belonging to the same body; sharing bodily unity with others. In figurative usage, refers to persons who are united as members of a single collective body, specifically emphasizing social and communal inclusion within a group. Contextually, often used for those joined together in intimate association or corporate identity.
Semantic Range
of the same body, belonging to a joint body, joined together as members, fellow member of a corporate body, united in communal identity
Root / Etymology
Compound of σύν ('with, together') and σῶμα ('body'), meaning literally 'together-bodied' or 'with the same body'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
σύσσωμος is a rare term, found chiefly in early Christian literature, including Ephesians 3:6, where it describes non-Israelite peoples (ethnē) being included as 'fellow-members of the body' with Judeans and Israelites. The term does not occur in extant classical Greek works or the Septuagint, reflecting early Christian idiom and the Pauline metaphor of the community as a single body. English translations often render it as 'fellow heir,' 'fellow member,' or 'of the same body,' but the literal sense is strongly bodily-corporate, highlighting full participation within a united group. Contrasts with related terms like συνανήρ or συνκοινωνός, which stress joint participation but without the bodily metaphor. σύσσωμος accentuates deep, indivisible unity, not mere association.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and σῶμα; of a joint body, i.e. (figuratively) a fellow-member of the Christian community:--of the same body.
Root Family
σύσσωμος (syssōmos) — body, together, with, of the same body, united in one body
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4954-01 |
σύνσωμα | sunsoma | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
of the same body | united as one body | united as one body | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4954-01 |
Ephesians 3:6 | σύνσωμα | sunsoma | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
of the same body | united as one body | united as one body |