συναναμίγνυμι

From the study of 1 Corinthians 5:11

Range of meaning

A double compound: σύν (together) + ἀνά (up, among) + μίγνυμι (mix). It means 'to mix up together with', so to mingle socially, keep close company with, be on intimate terms with. It describes a relationship of regular, familiar association, not passing contact.

Against the English

KJV/YLT 'keep company' is close to the sense. BSB/WEB/ESV 'associate with' is accurate but in modern English can sound very weak, like any contact at all, or merely professional. The Greek pictures blending into someone's social circle.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament only here, in 5:9, and in 2 Thess 3:14, where the Thessalonians are told not to mix with a disorderly member 'so that he may be ashamed', yet to 'warn him as a brother, not count him as an enemy' (3:15). In the LXX, Hos 7:8 uses it of Ephraim 'mixing himself among the peoples', losing his distinct identity by blending in (BDAG s.v.).

From the study of 1 Corinthians 5:9

Range of meaning

Literally "mix up together with": syn (with) + ana (up, among) + mignymi (mix). Used of mingling with people, joining in their company and sharing life. The middle voice used here means "mix oneself in with."

Against the English

"Associate with" (BSB, ESV, NIV) is a fair rendering but can sound like any contact at all. KJV's "company with" and WEB's "have no company with" keep the sense of keeping company, sharing life socially. The Greek points to close, ongoing fellowship. Verse 11 makes the meaning concrete: "not even to eat with" such a person.

Used elsewhere in the period

Rare word. In the NT only here, in 5:11 and in 2 Thess 3:14, where Paul again tells a congregation "not to mix with" a member who refuses instruction, "that he may be ashamed," yet "not as an enemy but as a brother" (3:15). In the Greek Old Testament, Hos 7:8 says "Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples" (LXX synanemeigynto), describing Israel blurring its identity among the nations.

From the study of 2 Thessalonians 3:14

Range of meaning

To mix up together with, to mingle among, to have close dealings with someone. It is a double compound: syn ('with') + ana ('up, among') + mignymi ('mix'). It pictures being blended into another's company and life.

Against the English

KJV/WEB/YLT "have no company with him"; BSB "do not associate with him"; ESV "have nothing to do with him". 'Have nothing to do with' can suggest total cutting-off, which v.15 rules out.

How it drifted

Modern readers hear 'do not associate' as a complete break: no contact, no greetings, no relationship. The Greek points to withdrawing close mingling, especially the intimacy of a shared table.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the NT it appears only here and in 1 Cor 5:9, 11. There Paul explains: "not to mix with… not even to eat with such a one." LXX Hos 7:8: "Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples" (assimilation). The Dead Sea Scrolls' Community Rule (1QS 6–7) shows a comparable practice of temporary exclusion from the community's common meal and from 'the purity' as a correction for offenders.