### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκαλέω (transliterated synkaléō, `{{G4779}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb καλέω (kaléō, `{{G2564}}`), meaning "to call" or "to summon." Therefore, the base definition of συγκαλέω is "to call together," "to summon together," or "to convoke." This word emphasizes the intentional act of gathering individuals into a unified assembly, often for a specific purpose or decision. The prefix σύν highlights the collective nature of the summoned group, distinguishing it from merely calling an individual. The semantic range is quite focused, consistently referring to the act of bringing multiple persons into a single gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
συγκαλέω appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and the Book of Acts, underscoring its relevance to the formation and function of early Christian communities and legal proceedings.
1. **[[Luke 9:1]]**: "And He called together the twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases." Here, Jesus intentionally summons His disciples, not merely to meet, but to empower them for their mission. This is a foundational act of commissioning.
2. **[[Luke 15:6]]**: "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost!’"
3. **[[Luke 15:9]]**: "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost!’" In these parables of the lost sheep and lost coin, the act of συγκαλέω signifies the sharing of joy within a community. The joy is so great that it necessitates a communal celebration.
4. **[[Luke 23:13]]**: "Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people." This instance depicts a formal, public convocation by an authority figure (Pilate) to address a matter of significant public concern (the trial of Jesus).
5. **[[Acts 4:18]]**: "And when they had called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." This refers to the Sanhedrin summoning Peter and John before their council. Though not explicitly stating "together," the context of a formal judicial body implies a collective summoning for a hearing.
6. **[[Acts 5:21]]**: "And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called together the council and all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought." This is another instance of the Sanhedrin (the highest Jewish judicial and religious council) formally convening to address the apostles' activities, highlighting the authoritative and deliberative nature of the gathering.
7. **[[Acts 10:24]]**: "And on the next day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends." Cornelius, anticipating Peter's arrival, gathers his household and intimate circle to hear the message, demonstrating a desire for communal reception of spiritual truth.
8. **[[Acts 28:17]]**: "And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called together the chief of the Jews; and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans." Paul, as a prisoner, takes the initiative to summon the Jewish leaders in Rome to explain his situation and the gospel, underscoring his proactive engagement even in confinement.
Across these occurrences, συγκαλέω consistently denotes a purposeful, intentional gathering, often initiated by a person in authority or leadership, for a specific objective—be it commissioning, celebration, judgment, or instruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of συγκαλέω is καλέω (kaléō, `{{G2564}}`), "to call," which is a fundamental term in biblical theology, often referring to God's divine calling of individuals to salvation or service. The prefix σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`) is common in Greek compounds and signifies "with" or "together," emphasizing unity or association.
Other related words that denote gathering or assembly include:
* συνάγω (synagō, `{{G4863}}`): "to gather together," "to assemble," often used for general gatherings or the collection of things. While similar, συγκαλέω emphasizes the act of *calling* them together, implying an initiator.
* συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, `{{G4905}}`): "to come together," "to assemble." This focuses on the act of coming, whereas συγκαλέω focuses on the act of calling.
* ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, `{{G1577}}`): "assembly," "church." This noun derives from ἐκκαλέω (ekkaléō), "to call out," and refers to a called-out assembly. While ἐκκλησία is the *result* of a calling, συγκαλέω describes the *action* of bringing people together.
The distinction lies in the active role of the summoner inherent in συγκαλέω, suggesting a deliberate and often authoritative convocation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συγκαλέω is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Initiative and Authority**: In [[Luke 9:1]], Jesus' act of συγκαλέω His disciples highlights His divine authority to choose and commission those who will carry on His work. It signifies a deliberate act of God in forming His instruments for the kingdom. This "calling together" is not merely an invitation but an authoritative summons, leading to the formation of the apostolic body.
2. **Community and Fellowship**: The parables in Luke 15 demonstrate the importance of communal rejoicing over salvation and restoration. The act of συγκαλέω friends and neighbors underscores that joy in God's redemptive work is meant to be shared and celebrated within a community of faith. It speaks to the communal nature of God's people and the desire for shared experience.
3. **Purposeful Assembly for Deliberation and Judgment**: The repeated use of συγκαλέω for the Sanhedrin's gatherings in Acts (e.g., [[Acts 5:21]]) underscores the formal, judicial, and deliberative nature of these assemblies. These were not casual meetings but serious convocations for decision-making, often with profound consequences. This reflects the reality that God's people, and even those opposed to them, operate within structured contexts for significant actions.
4. **Proclamation and Witness**: Paul's συγκαλέω of the Jewish leaders in Rome ([[Acts 28:17]]) illustrates the importance of direct communication and witness. Even under duress, the call to assembly serves as an opportunity to explain, persuade, and proclaim the gospel message. This underscores the imperative for believers to gather others to hear the truth.
In essence, συγκαλέω reveals the dynamic nature of God's interaction with humanity—through authoritative summoning, fostering communal joy, facilitating judicial processes, and enabling the spread of His message. It is an active verb that points to the intentionality behind the formation of groups for divine purposes.
### Summary
συγκαλέω (synkaléō, `{{G4779}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to call together," "to summon," or "to convoke." Formed from σύν ("with, together") and καλέω ("to call"), it emphasizes the intentional act of bringing multiple individuals into a unified assembly. Its usage in the New Testament consistently highlights purposeful gatherings, often initiated by a figure of authority. Contextual analysis reveals its application in Jesus' commissioning of His disciples ([[Luke 9:1]]), communal celebrations of divine restoration ([[Luke 15:6]], [[Luke 15:9]]), formal judicial proceedings ([[Luke 23:13]], [[Acts 4:18]], [[Acts 5:21]]), and strategic opportunities for evangelism and explanation ([[Acts 10:24]], [[Acts 28:17]]). Theologically, συγκαλέω signifies divine initiative and authority, the importance of community and shared joy, the necessity of purposeful deliberation, and the act of gathering for the proclamation of truth. It underscores that the formation of groups in the biblical narrative is rarely accidental but serves a specific, often divinely ordained, purpose.
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