Original Word: συνανακεῖμαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sunanakeimai
Pronunciation: soon-an-ak'-i-mahee
Phonetic Spelling: (soon-an-ak'-i-mahee)
Definition: To recline together, to sit at table together
Meaning: I recline at table with.

Word Origin: From the preposition σύν (sun, meaning "with") and the verb ἀνάκειμαι (anakeimai, meaning "to recline" or "to lie down").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "sunanakeimai," the concept of communal dining and fellowship can be related to Hebrew terms like "שָׁלַם" (shalom, meaning peace or wholeness) and "חֶסֶד" (chesed, meaning loving-kindness or covenant loyalty), which often accompany the idea of shared meals and community.

Usage: The verb "sunanakeimai" is used in the New Testament to describe the act of reclining at a table together, often in the context of a meal. In ancient times, meals were typically eaten in a reclining position, especially during formal or communal gatherings. This term emphasizes the communal and shared aspect of dining, highlighting fellowship and social interaction.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, as well as in Jewish culture during the time of Jesus, meals were significant social events. Reclining at a table was a common practice during banquets and feasts, symbolizing relaxation, intimacy, and equality among participants. Sharing a meal was an expression of friendship and acceptance, and it often served as a setting for important discussions and teachings.

Word Origin
from sun and anakeimai
Definition
to recline with (at table)
NASB Translation
dining (2), dinner guests (2), reclining (2), table (1).

STRONGS NT 4873: συνανάκειμαι

συνανάκειμαι; 3 person plural imperfect συνανέκειντο; to recline together, feast together (A. V. 'sit down with', 'sit at meat with' (cf. ἀνάκειμαι)): τίνι, with one, Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 14:10; John 12:2 Rec.; οἱ συνανακείμενοι (`they that sat at meat with'), the guests, Matthew 14:9; Mark 6:22, 26 (R G L); Luke 7:49; Luke 14:15. ((3Macc. 5:39); ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

recline with at a meal

From sun and anakeimai; to recline in company with (at a meal) -- sit (down, at the table, together) with (at meat).

see GREEK sun

see GREEK anakeimai

Forms and Transliterations

συνανακειμενοι συνανακείμενοι συνανακειμενοις συνανακειμένοις συνανακειμενους συνανακειμένους συνανακειμενων συνανακειμένων συνανεκειντο συνανέκειντο sunanakeimenoi sunanakeimenois sunanakeimenon sunanakeimenōn sunanakeimenous sunanekeinto synanakeimenoi synanakeímenoi synanakeimenois synanakeiménois synanakeimenon synanakeimenōn synanakeiménon synanakeiménōn synanakeimenous synanakeiménous synanekeinto synanékeinto

Links

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