συνιστάωsynistáō
to set together, i.e. (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to constitute
Greek (New Testament) · G4921
Meanings
1. transitive
(a) to commend, recommend: with accusative of person, 2 Corinthians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 10:12, 2 Corinthians 10:18; id. with dative, Romans 16:1, 2 Corinthians 5:12; followed by πρός, 2 Corinthians 4:2; passive, followed by ὑπό, 2 Corinthians 12:11
(b) to show, prove, establish: with accusative, Romans 3:5, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 6:4; dupl. accusative, Galatians 2:13; accusative et infinitive, 2 Corinthians 7:11
2. Intrans., perfect, συνέστηκα (as also 2 aorist and plpf.)
(a) to stand with or near: Luke 9:32
(b) to be composed of, consist, cohere: Colossians 1:17, 2 Peter 3:5.
Same root
- σύνsýn · G4862with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.
- ἵστημιhístēmi · G2476to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
- συστατικόςsystatikós · G4956introductory, i.e. recommendatory
- ἐπισύστασιςepisýstasis · G1999a conspiracy, i.e. concourse (riotous or friendly)
Where it appears
Appears 16 times in the Bible.
- Luke 9:32 Peter and the others had fallen asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him.
- Romans 3:5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.)
- Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
- Romans 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.
- 2 Corinthians 3:1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not!
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.