### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **logía**, represented by `{{G3048}}`, is a term for a **contribution** or **collection**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating its specific application within the early church for the gathering of financial support for fellow believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3048}}` is used by the Apostle Paul to provide instructions for a special financial contribution. He addresses the "collection{G3048} for the saints{G40}" [[1 Corinthians 16:1]], establishing a structured effort that he had also given as an order to the churches in Galatia. Paul specifies that these "gatherings{G3048}" should be handled by having each person lay something aside on the first day of the week, preventing the need for a last-minute appeal when he arrived [[1 Corinthians 16:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of this contribution:
* `{{G1299}}` **diatássō** (give, (set in) order, ordain): This term emphasizes the authoritative nature of the instruction. Paul states, "as I have given order{G1299}" [[1 Corinthians 16:1]], showing the collection was an organized and prescribed activity.
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (assembly, church): The directive for the collection was not for individuals in isolation but for the "churches{G1577}" as a whole [[1 Corinthians 16:1]], demonstrating a collective, congregational responsibility.
* `{{G2343}}` **thēsaurízō** (lay up (treasure), (keep) in store): This verb describes the practical action required for the collection, where each believer was to set money aside and keep it "in store{G2343}" [[1 Corinthians 16:2]] in a systematic way.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3048}}` is seen in the principles it establishes for Christian fellowship and stewardship.
* **Organized Generosity:** The concept demonstrates a principle of planned, systematic giving. Paul's command to "do{G4160} ye" as he "had given order{G1299}" to other churches shows a structured approach to caring for believers [[1 Corinthians 16:1]].
* **Proportional Giving:** The instruction to lay aside funds as "God hath prospered him{G2137}" [[1 Corinthians 16:2]] establishes a principle of giving in proportion to the provision God has supplied, linking personal blessing to communal responsibility.
* **Support for the Saints:** The collection is explicitly designated "for the saints{G40}" [[1 Corinthians 16:1]]. This underscores the theological importance of mutual care and financial support within the community of believers as a tangible expression of love.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3048}}` is more than a simple word for a gathering of funds. It represents a planned, systematic contribution for the express purpose of supporting fellow believers. The use of this term illustrates how the early church put faith into action through organized and proportional generosity, establishing a pattern of mutual care that was an ordained practice for the churches.
TRV