### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synkinéō**, represented by `{{G4787}}`, describes the act of exciting a mass to sedition. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its definition, "to move together," points specifically to the incitement of a group, essentially to **stir up** public unrest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G4787}}` is used to describe a hostile action taken against Stephen. The verse recounts how opponents **stirred up** the people, the elders, and the scribes [[Acts 6:12]]. This act of incitement is the catalyst for a sequence of aggressive actions, as those who were agitated then "came upon" Stephen, "caught" him, and "brought" him before the council for judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{G4787}}` in [[Acts 6:12]] is illuminated by several related words that identify the groups being agitated and the resulting actions:
* `{{G2992}}` **laós** (a people): This refers to the general population that was incited. The term is used elsewhere to identify God's **people** [[Hebrews 8:10]] and those Jesus came to save [[Matthew 1:21]], making their agitation significant.
* `{{G4245}}` **presbýteros** (elder): This identifies the senior leaders or Israelite Sanhedrists who were stirred up. These **elders** are often mentioned as part of the ruling body in Jerusalem alongside scribes [[Mark 15:1]].
* `{{G1122}}` **grammateús** (scribe): These professional writers and secretaries were also part of the agitated group. **Scribes** are frequently depicted as religious authorities who, along with elders, would oppose Jesus [[Matthew 16:21]].
* `{{G4892}}` **synédrion** (council): This is the Jewish Sanhedrin or tribunal where the accused was brought after being seized. It is often portrayed as a place of judgment and opposition [[Matthew 5:22]].
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G4787}}` carries significant theological implications regarding conflict and opposition to God's servants.
* **Organized Opposition:** The act to **stir up** is not a random outburst but a deliberate incitement of key societal groups—the **people** `{{G2992}}`, the **elders** `{{G4245}}`, and the **scribes** `{{G1122}}`—to create a unified front [[Acts 6:12]].
* **Incitement to Injustice:** The word highlights how public sentiment can be manipulated to achieve a hostile outcome. The stirring up leads directly to an individual being caught `{{G4884}}` and brought before a **council** `{{G4892}}` for judgment.
* **Conflict with Authority:** The narrative demonstrates a recurring theme where established religious leaders are agitated into opposing messengers of God. The incident shows opponents successfully turning the **elders** and **scribes** against Stephen [[Acts 6:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4787}}` provides a precise term for the act of inciting a crowd toward sedition. Although used only once, its placement in [[Acts 6:12]] powerfully illustrates a key dynamic in the early church: the deliberate generation of public hostility against God's messengers. The word captures the moment when dissent is manufactured, transforming the **people**, **elders**, and **scribes** into a unified force of opposition that culminates in a formal confrontation.
TRV