Bible Dictionary
Syntyche
Syntyche was a Christian woman in the church at Philippi who had labored in the gospel. Paul urged her, together with Euodia, to be reconciled and united in the Lord.
Definition
Syntyche was a Christian woman in the church at Philippi. Her name means “fortunate.” She had labored in the gospel with Paul and his fellow workers.
Biblical Usage
Paul appealed to Syntyche and Euodia to be reconciled and to be of one mind in the Lord. He also asked a true yokefellow to help them, since both women had labored in the gospel.
Historical Background
Syntyche was among the early converts associated with the formation and work of the church at Philippi. Their service had occurred during difficult and dangerous times, making their disagreement especially sad.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fortunate; affable, a female member of the church at Philippi, whom Paul beseeches to be of one mind with Euodias (Phil. 4:2, 3).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(with fate), a female member of the church of Philippi. (Philemon 4:2,3) (A.D.57).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sin'-ti-ke (Suntuche, literally, "fortunate" (Php 4:2)): A Christian woman in the church at Philippi; She and Euodia, who had some quarrel or cause of difference between them, are mentioned by name by Paul, and are besought separately: "I beseech Euodia, and I beseech Syntyche" (the King James Version) to be reconciled to one another, to be "of the same mind in the Lord." The apostle also entreats an unnamed Christian at Philippi, whom he terms "true yokefellow," to "help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel." What he means is that he asks the true yokefellow to help Euodia and Syntyche, each of whom had labored with Paul.</p><p>This refers to the visit which he, in company with Silas and Luke and Timothy, paid to Philippi (Ac 16:12), and which resulted in the gospel being introduced to that city and the church being formed there. Euodia and Syntyche had been among the first converts and had proved helpful in carrying on the work. The word used for "labored" signifies "they joined with me in my struggle," and probably refers to something more than ordinary labor, for those were critical times of danger and suffering, which the apostle and his companions and fellow-workers then encountered at Philippi.</p><p>That workers so enthusiastic and so honored should have quarreled, was very sad. Paul, therefore, entreats them to be reconciled. Doubtless his request was given heed to, especially in view of his promised visit to Philippi.</p><p>See EUODIA; YOKE-FELLOW.</p><p>John Rutherfurd</p>