### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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