Hold Together

Greek Word Pronunciation: sun-HIS-temi
Strong's Number: 4921
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5319
Key Verse: “He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.” -- Colossians 1:17

Sunistemi is a compound verb, comprised of sun (“with”) and histemi (“to stand”), thus “to place together; to set in the same place; to bring or band together; to show, prove, establish; represent as worthy.”

Ten verses in the New Testament speak of “commending ourselves” (or someone else), in terms of introducing. The literal translation of "standing with" is found in Luke 9:32, when the disciples saw Moses and Elijah standing with Jesus.

Twice in Romans, Paul speaks of God demonstrating [the KJV translates commends] His righteousness and love. Paul is speaking of the Jews in Romans 3:5, “if our unrighteousness demonstrates [NIV translates brings out] the righteousness of God” in that their minds are pondering ways to elude God’s righteous judgment. In Romans 5:8, Paul says that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The present tense of this verb here indicates an ongoing act on God’s part. The Holy Spirit poured out God’s love in our hearts, and this pure love is being continually demonstrated by God through the Spirit.

2 Peter 3:5 indicates that “the earth was formed out [KJV and NKJ translate standing out] of water …” At creation, the waters under the firmament were gathered together into one place, and the dry land emerged out of, and above, them.

In the key verse, COLOSSIANS 1:17, “in Him all things hold together [the KJV and NKJ translate consist],” Christ not only creates, but also maintains His creation in continuous stability and productiveness. Christ is the controlling and unifying force in nature. Not only are things called into being from nothing, but as indicated by the perfect tense, they are permanently maintained in their present state. The Son of God is the Conserver, as well as the Creator of all things.