from ἐπί and (to assemble); to accumulate:--gather thick together.
Transliteration:epathroízō
Pronunciation:ep-ath-roid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1865}}` (epathroízō) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon," "in addition to," or "intensively," and the verb ἀθροίζω (athroízō), meaning "to gather," "to assemble," or "to collect." The prefix ἐπί serves to intensify the action of gathering, suggesting a dense accumulation or a gathering that is "thick together." Thus, the core meaning of `{{G1865}}` is "to gather in great numbers," "to accumulate densely," or "to throng together." It conveys a sense of a growing, pressing crowd, emphasizing not merely the act of assembling, but the *density* or *magnitude* of the assembled group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1865}}` occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 11:29]]**: "And when the multitudes were *gathered thick together*, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet."
In this sole occurrence, `{{G1865}}` describes the large crowd that had assembled around Jesus. The context reveals that Jesus had just cast out a demon, prompting some in the crowd to demand a sign from heaven. The use of `{{G1865}}` underscores the immense popularity of Jesus and the sheer number of people drawn to Him. The phrase "gathered thick together" vividly portrays a burgeoning, perhaps even pressing, throng. This dense gathering serves as the backdrop for Jesus' stern rebuke of their demand for a sign, highlighting a contrast between their physical proximity and their spiritual blindness or superficial interest. The word emphasizes the overwhelming presence of the crowd, making Jesus' subsequent words of judgment all the more potent.
### Related Words & Concepts
To understand `{{G1865}}` more fully, it is helpful to consider other Greek words related to gathering or assembling. The base verb ἀθροίζω (athroízō), while not directly found in the New Testament, is the root from which `{{G1865}}` is formed, signifying the fundamental act of gathering.
Other common Greek terms for assembling include:
* συνάγω (synagō, `{{G4863}}`): A very common word meaning "to gather together," "to collect," or "to assemble." It is used for various types of gatherings, from people to objects.
* συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, `{{G4905}}`): Meaning "to come together," "to assemble," or "to meet." This word often describes people convening for a specific purpose.
* ἐπισυνάγω (episynagō, `{{G1997}}`): A compound of ἐπί and συνάγω, meaning "to gather together upon" or "to gather together besides." Like `{{G1865}}`, it can imply an intensified or complete gathering, often with a sense of bringing together dispersed elements.
While these terms share the general idea of gathering, `{{G1865}}` distinguishes itself by specifically emphasizing the *density* or *accumulation* of the gathering. It conveys a sense of people "piling up" or "thickening" into a crowd, rather than simply coming together. This nuance highlights the overwhelming physical presence of the multitude.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of `{{G1865}}` in [[Luke 11:29]] carries significant theological weight. It vividly depicts the human response to Jesus' ministry—a response often characterized by physical attraction and curiosity rather than genuine spiritual understanding. The "thickly gathered" crowd represents humanity's innate desire for the miraculous and the sensational, as evidenced by their demand for a sign.
The word underscores the dynamic tension in Jesus' ministry: He drew immense crowds, yet many in these crowds remained spiritually hardened or superficial in their faith. The very density implied by `{{G1865}}` highlights the challenge Jesus faced in reaching hearts amidst a sea of faces. It serves as a poignant reminder that physical proximity to Christ does not automatically equate to spiritual closeness or true discipleship. The "gathering thick together" becomes a backdrop for the profound spiritual truths Jesus proclaims, often met with resistance or misunderstanding, even by those who are physically closest to Him.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G1865}}` (epathroízō) means "to gather thick together," "to accumulate densely," or "to throng." It is a compound verb emphasizing the intensity and magnitude of a gathering, suggesting a large and pressing crowd. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 11:29]] describes the multitudes that gathered around Jesus, providing a vivid image of His popularity and the sheer number of people drawn to His words and works. Theologically, this term highlights the human tendency to be drawn physically to the miraculous, contrasting with the deeper spiritual understanding and commitment that Jesus sought. It underscores the challenge of ministering to large crowds who, despite their physical proximity, might remain spiritually distant or resistant to His message.
TRV