from ἐπισυνάγω; a complete collection; especially a Christian meeting (for worship):--assembling (gathering) together.
Transliteration:episynagōgḗ
Pronunciation:ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1997 (ἐπισυναγωγή, *episynagōgḗ*) is derived from the verb episynagō (`{{G1996}}`), meaning "to gather together" or "to assemble." The prefix epi- intensifies the action, suggesting a "complete" or "full" collection, a thorough gathering. Its core meaning thus denotes an act of assembling or a specific gathering. While it can broadly refer to any complete collection, its primary biblical application, as indicated by its usage, points specifically to a Christian meeting for worship or fellowship. It emphasizes the communal aspect of coming together, indicating a purposeful and often intensive assembly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1997 appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering significant insight into its usage:
1. **[[2 Thessalonians 2:1]]:** "Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and *our gathering together to Him*..."
In this eschatological context, Paul uses *episynagōgḗ* to refer to the future, definitive assembly of believers with Christ at His return. This is not merely a casual meeting but a climactic, divinely orchestrated "gathering together" of the saints to their Lord. It speaks to the ultimate corporate destiny of the Church, highlighting the hope of being united with Christ in glory, often understood as the rapture or the final assembly of the redeemed.
2. **[[Hebrews 10:25]]:** "not forsaking *the assembling of ourselves together*, as is the custom of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Here, *episynagōgḗ* clearly refers to the regular, intentional gathering of believers for corporate worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. The author of Hebrews exhorts the audience not to neglect these assemblies, especially as the "Day" (likely referring to the Day of the Lord or the time of Christ's return) draws near. This usage underscores the vital importance of communal Christian life, mutual edification, and perseverance in faith through shared experience, providing a context for teaching, prayer, and support.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1997 is intimately connected to its verbal root, episynagō (`{{G1996}}`), which describes the act of gathering or assembling. This verb is used in various contexts, such as Jesus gathering His disciples ([[Matthew 23:37]]) or people gathering to Him. The prefix epi- in *episynagōgḗ* often denotes an intensification or completeness of the action, suggesting a more thorough or definitive gathering than a simple assembly.
It also shares a conceptual link with synagōgē (`{{G4864}}`), which can refer to a "synagogue" (a place of Jewish assembly) or more broadly to any "gathering" or "assembly." While synagōgē can denote a general collection, *episynagōgḗ* carries a stronger sense of purpose and intensity in its assembly.
While episynagōgḗ describes the *act* or *event* of gathering, it is distinct from ekklēsia (`{{G1577}}`), which is typically translated as "church" and refers to the "called-out ones," the assembly of believers as a body. Episynagōgḗ emphasizes the dynamic process of coming together, whereas ekklēsia denotes the corporate identity of the gathered community. One could say that the ekklēsia engages in episynagōgḗ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1997 is profound and two-fold. Firstly, it underscores the essential communal nature of Christian faith in the present age. The exhortation in [[Hebrews 10:25]] highlights that corporate worship and fellowship are not optional but are crucial for spiritual growth, mutual encouragement, and perseverance, especially in challenging times. Believers are called to actively participate in the life of the gathered community, fostering unity and edification. This gathering provides a context for the exercise of spiritual gifts, the teaching of God's Word, corporate prayer, and the visible expression of the Body of Christ, all vital for the Church's health and mission.
Secondly, G1997 carries a significant eschatological weight, as seen in [[2 Thessalonians 2:1]]. It points to the ultimate, future "gathering together" of believers with Christ at His glorious return. This future assembly represents the consummation of salvation history, the final union of the Church with its Head. It provides a powerful hope and a motivational impetus for faithful living in the present, reminding believers of their ultimate destiny in Christ's presence. Thus, *episynagōgḗ* encapsulates both the present reality of corporate Christian life and the future hope of ultimate communion with the Lord.
### Summary
G1997 (ἐπισυναγωγή, *episynagōgḗ*) signifies a "gathering together" or an "assembly," with an emphasis on a complete or thorough collection. Its two New Testament occurrences reveal a dual application: a present-day reference to the vital practice of Christian corporate worship and fellowship ([[Hebrews 10:25]]), and an eschatological reference to the future, definitive assembly of believers with Christ at His second coming ([[2 Thessalonians 2:1]]). The word underscores the indispensable communal dimension of the Christian life, both in its ongoing expression and its ultimate fulfillment in the presence of the Lord.
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