### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anakephalaíomai**, represented by `{{G346}}`, means **to sum up**, **briefly comprehend**, or **gather together in one**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys the idea of bringing various elements into a single, cohesive whole, either as a summary or a unification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G346}}` serves two distinct but related functions. In Romans, it is used to summarize the law, stating that commandments such as not to commit adultery, kill, or steal are all **briefly comprehended** in the single command to "love thy neighbour as thyself" [[Romans 13:9]]. In Ephesians, the term takes on a more cosmic scope, describing God's ultimate plan in the "dispensation of the fulness of times" to **gather together in one** all things in Christ, encompassing both heaven and earth [[Ephesians 1:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G346}}` is used:
* `{{G25}}` **agapáō** (to love): This is the central action that "briefly comprehends" the law. The command to **love** is presented as the key to keeping God's commandments [[John 14:15]].
* `{{G4139}}` **plēsíon** (a neighbor): This identifies the object of the summarized law in Romans. The entire law is fulfilled in the command to love one's **neighbour** [[Galatians 5:14]].
* `{{G3622}}` **oikonomía** (dispensation, stewardship): This word establishes the framework for God's plan in Ephesians. The gathering of all things in Christ is part of the divine **dispensation** of God's grace [[Ephesians 3:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G346}}` is centered on the concepts of summation and unification.
* **Principle of Love:** In Romans, the word establishes that the entire moral law is **briefly comprehended** by a single principle: love for one's **neighbour** `{{G4139}}`. This reframes obedience from mere rule-following to an expression of love [[Romans 13:9]].
* **Cosmic Reconciliation:** In Ephesians, the term reveals the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan. He will **gather together in one** all things in Christ, indicating a final, universal reconciliation under His authority [[Ephesians 1:10]].
* **Divine Administration:** The use of `{{G346}}` in the context of a **dispensation** `{{G3622}}` highlights that this unification is not accidental but is a deliberate, divinely administered plan unfolding according to God's timing [[Ephesians 1:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G346}}` is a precise and powerful term used to convey the idea of a comprehensive summing up. Though rare, its two appearances are theologically significant, illustrating how the complexities of the law are resolved in the principle of love, and how the entirety of creation will ultimately be unified under the headship of Christ. It demonstrates God's plan to bring all things to a cohesive and single purpose in Him.
TRV