The Greek word syllégō, represented by G4816, means to collect or gather. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The word is formed from two parts, suggesting a collection or gathering together, and is often used in contexts of harvesting or sorting.
In scripture, G4816 is primarily used within parables to illustrate a process of separation and judgment. In the parable of the tares, the servants ask if they should go and gather the tares from the wheat Matthew 13:28, but are told to wait lest they uproot the wheat as well Matthew 13:29. At the harvest, the angels will gather out of the kingdom all things that cause offense Matthew 13:41, and the tares are gathered to be burned Matthew 13:40. The word is also used to teach about discernment; one cannot gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, for a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:16, Luke 6:44). Similarly, in the parable of the net, fishermen gathered the good fish into vessels after drawing the net to shore Matthew 13:48.
Several related words help clarify the action and context of gathering:
- G4863 synágō (to lead together, i.e. collect or convene): This word is used in parallel with G4816 in Matthew 13:30, where the tares are gathered G4816 for destruction, but the wheat is gathered G4863 into the barn.
- G1610 ekrizóō (to uproot): This word highlights the danger of improper gathering. The master warns against gathering the tares prematurely, lest the gatherers also uproot the wheat Matthew 13:29.
- G2327 theristḗs (a harvester): These are the agents, identified as angels Matthew 13:39, who are commanded to gather the tares at the time of harvest Matthew 13:30.
- G1210 déō (to bind): This action immediately follows the gathering of the tares. They are first gathered G4816 and then bound in bundles to be burned Matthew 13:30.
The theological weight of G4816 is significant, particularly in eschatology.
- Divine Sorting: The act of gathering is consistently linked to a final separation. This is seen in the sorting of tares from wheat Matthew 13:30, the good fish from the bad Matthew 13:48, and the removal of all that offends from the kingdom Matthew 13:41.
- Identification and Discernment: The principle that one cannot gather good fruit from a bad source Matthew 7:16 establishes a key theological test: a person's or a movement's true nature is revealed by its "fruit." You shall know them by their fruits Matthew 7:16.
- Final Disposition: The purpose of the gathering is to assign a final destiny. The things gathered G4816 are not left in a neutral state; they are either collected for preservation, as with the good fish Matthew 13:48, or for destruction, as with the tares Matthew 13:40.
In summary, G4816 moves beyond a simple agricultural term to become a powerful metaphor for divine action. It illustrates a deliberate and purposeful collection, whether of fruit from a tree or souls at the end of the age. The word carries a sense of finality, underscoring the biblical themes of discernment, judgment, and the ultimate separation of good from evil.
TRV