Greek word · G4943
συνυπουργέω
synypourgeō
to join in helping
"To join in helping", "to cooperate by serving". It is built from three parts: syn (with), hypo (under, in a supporting or subordinate role) and ourgeō/ergeō (to work). The base form hypourgeō means to render a service, to assist, often as a helper working under someone else.
Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·
What it means
From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).
In depth
From the study of 2 Corinthians 1:11
- Range of meaning
"To join in helping", "to cooperate by serving". It is built from three parts: syn (with), hypo (under, in a supporting or subordinate role) and ourgeō/ergeō (to work). The base form hypourgeō means to render a service, to assist, often as a helper working under someone else.
- Against the English
KJV and WEB "helping together" and NASB "joining in helping" keep the "together" element. BSB and NIV "as you help us" drop it, which loses the sense that the Corinthians are joining a shared effort, ultimately God's own act of rescue.
- Used elsewhere in the period
It appears only here in the New Testament and not at all in the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint). BDAG lists only a few non-biblical uses, in medical and literary writers. The simpler hypourgeō, "to serve, assist", is common in classical and Hellenistic Greek.
Where it appears
2 Corinthians · 1
-
2 Corinthians 1:11 συνυπουργούντων joining together
as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
Here: A triple compound: syn (together) + hypo (under, in a supporting role) + ergeō (work). The Corinthians are pictured as co-workers who put their shoulder under the load with Paul. The present tense pictures help that keeps going, and the grammar ties it to the delivering in v.10: God will rescue, with you joining in.
Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.