Associate with (4879) (sunapago from sun/syn = together + apágo [B3] = lead or carry away [apo = away]) means literally in passive to be led together and is used only figuratively in the NT. Sunapago means to be led along or be carried away with something or someone. The idea is to experience with others the force of that which carries away, to be "carried away with” as with a flood. Thayer says " to follow the impulse of a thing to what harmonizes with it." (Gal 2:13, 2Pe 3:17). Then he adds that in Ro 12:16 the idea is "to yield or submit oneself to lowly things, conditions, employments, -- not to evade their power." Louw-Nida says that in (Gal 2:13, 2Pe 3:17) sunapago means "to cause someone else in addition to change from belief in what is true to belief in what is false—‘to cause to go astray together, to deceive in addition, to lead astray with.’" L-N adds that in Ro 12:16 the idea of sunapago is "to associate with one another, normally involving spatial proximity and/or joint activity, and usually implying some kind of reciprocal relation or involvement—‘to associate, to be in the company of, to be involved with, association.’" The thought in Romans 12:16 is go along with, to be at home with and to associate comfortably with others, specifically the lowly, less fortunate, less advantaged. Accommodate yourself to those who are less fortunate. How are you doing here? If you are a relatively wealthy saint, are their saints in your body you would rather not be seen with because they don't dress with the latest fashion, etc? BDAG - (1). to cause someone in conjunction with others to go astray in belief, lead away with. Passive - to be led or carried away (Gal 2:13, 2Pe 3:17). (2). To adjust to a condition or circumstance, to accommodate. (3). To join the company of others, associate with: associate with humble folk. Sunapago is in the passive voice and literally means to be led along or be carried away with. The present tense calls for this to be one's lifestyle or habitual practice. The thought here is to continually go along with, to be at home with, to associate comfortably with or to be drawn into sympathy with the lowly. If you practice this grace (by grace) what is going to obsess your mind? Not the "big I" for Paul says don’t be haughty but remember those around you who are lowly and be caught up, obsessed and carried away with the lowly. NIV = "be willing to associate with people of low position." The KJV translates sunapago with condescend (Ro 12:16KJV) which means to descend to a less formal or dignified level or to waive the privileges of rank. Sunapago is used 3 times in the NT - associate(1), carried away(2). The only Lxx use is Ex 14:6 (took = led off his people with him). Galatians 2:13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness Comment: The principle is simple but serious -- false teaching (error) can lead one astray. Strong says "to yield or submit one's self to lowly things, conditions, employments: not to evade their power." With the lowly - Literally reads "but the lowly (tapeinos) associate with". Sunapago calls for believers to continually be willing to associate with those in humble circumstances or disposition, those who are cast down or of low estate as as opposed to only associating with those who are wealthy or rich. The idea is not restricted to "lowly" people but also includes "lowly" or humble tasks. James minces no words reminding us that if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." (Ja 2:1-9) Believers should avoid even a trace of snobbishness, instead as their lifestyle being as outgoing toward humble, lowly folk as toward those of wealth and position. Paul calls for us as new creatures in Christ, to get off our "high horse" and come to grips with reality. There are both humble tasks and ordinary people who need our attention. To withdraw from either is to allow pride to control our lives and pride disrupts the vital "one another" harmony of the Body.