### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **episynágō**, represented by `{{G1996}}`, means to **collect upon the same place** or to **gather together**. Derived from ἐπί and συνάγω, this term appears **9 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, describing the act of bringing entities into a single location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1996}}` is used to describe several types of gatherings. It can refer to a physical assembly, such as when an entire city was **gathered together** at a door [[Mark 1:33]] or when an innumerable **multitude** `{{G3461}}` of people **gathered together** [[Luke 12:1]]. More poignantly, Jesus uses the word to express his longing to have **gathered** the **children** `{{G5043}}` of **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}` together as a **hen** `{{G3733}}` gathers her young ([[Matthew 23:37]]; [[Luke 13:34]]). It is also used in an eschatological sense, describing the future event when **angels** `{{G32}}` will **gather together** His **elect** `{{G1588}}` from the four winds ([[Matthew 24:31]]; [[Mark 13:27]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G1996}}` is used:
* `{{G1588}}` **eklektós** (select; by implication, favorite:--chosen, elect): This describes the specific group of people who are the object of the divine gathering at the end of the age [[Mark 13:27]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger; especially an "angel"): These are the agents sent by God to perform the act of gathering His chosen people from across the earth and heaven [[Matthew 24:31]].
* `{{G3733}}` **órnis** (a hen): This word is central to the metaphor of Christ's protective desire to gather the people of Jerusalem, illustrating a tender and sheltering care [[Matthew 23:37]].
* `{{G2419}}` **Hierousalḗm** (Jerusalem): The city is personified as the recipient of Christ's desire to gather its children, but its people were unwilling [[Luke 13:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1996}}` is significant, highlighting key divine actions and intentions.
* **Protective Longing:** The image of a hen gathering her **brood** `{{G3555}}` or **chickens** `{{G3556}}` reveals God's deep, protective desire to bring His people into a place of safety and fellowship [[Matthew 23:37]].
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The term is crucial to understanding the end times, where it signifies the final, climactic event of God assembling His elect from all creation into His kingdom [[Mark 13:27]].
* **Divine Initiative:** In all its uses, the word implies an active agent performing the gathering, whether it is Jesus, a hen, or the angels, emphasizing that the gathering is an intentional act initiated by a higher power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1996}}` conveys more than a simple assembly. It encapsulates a spectrum of meaning, from the physical gathering of a crowd to the tender, protective longing of Christ for His people. Ultimately, it points to the sovereign and final act of God, who will one day **gather together** His elect from every part of heaven and earth.
TRV