### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συλλέγω (syllégō, `{{G4816}}`) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and λέγω (legō) in its original, more ancient sense of "to pick," "to gather," or "to collect." While λέγω later predominantly came to mean "to speak" or "to say," its root sense of collecting or selecting is preserved in συλλέγω. Thus, the core meaning of συλλέγω is "to gather together," "to collect," or "to pick up." Its semantic range primarily encompasses the physical act of collecting disparate items into a unified group or location. This can apply to inanimate objects, agricultural produce, or even people, though its usage often carries a connotation of selection or separation in the process of gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συλλέγω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels, and often in the context of agricultural imagery or parables of judgment.
* **Matthew 7:16** and **Luke 6:44**: Here, συλλέγω is used in the rhetorical question, "Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16). This highlights the principle that one cannot expect good fruit from a bad source, emphasizing the intrinsic nature of a tree (or a person) revealed by its produce. The act of "gathering" here signifies the natural outcome or consequence of a particular source.
* **Matthew 13:28-30, 40-41**: This is the most significant cluster of occurrences, found within the Parable of the Weeds (Tares) in the Field.
* In [[Matthew 13:28]], the servants ask if they should "go and gather them up" (the weeds).
* In [[Matthew 13:29]], the master warns against "gathering the weeds" too early, lest the wheat be uprooted with them.
* In [[Matthew 13:40]], Jesus explains, "Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age." Here, συλλέγω denotes the definitive collection of the weeds for destruction.
* Most profoundly, in [[Matthew 13:41]], Jesus states, "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers." This verse elevates the meaning from agricultural practice to eschatological judgment, where the act of "gathering out" implies a divine separation and removal of all that offends.
* **Matthew 13:48**: In the Parable of the Net, after the net is full, the fishermen "sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad." The verb συλλέγω here describes the act of sorting and collecting the good fish, again implying a process of discernment and separation.
In these contexts, συλλέγω consistently carries the nuance of selective gathering, often for a specific purpose, whether it be for consumption, preservation, or destruction. It is not merely a random collection but a purposeful assembly based on inherent quality or destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a semantic field with συλλέγω, though each carries its own distinct nuance:
* συνάγω (synagō, `{{G4863}}`): Also a compound with σύν, this verb means "to bring together," "to assemble," or "to collect." While συλλέγω often implies picking or collecting *from* a larger group or area (e.g., gathering fruit from a tree, weeds from a field), συνάγω more broadly refers to the act of assembling or convening, particularly of people (e.g., gathering in a synagogue). In the context of judgment, συλλέγω emphasizes the separation inherent in the collection.
* ἀθροίζω (athroizō, `{{G147}}`): To gather together, assemble, often used of people gathering in a crowd.
* καρπός (karpos, `{{G2590}}`): "Fruit" or "produce," which is often the object of the act of συλλέγω in agricultural contexts.
* ζιζάνια (zizania, `{{G2215}}`): "Weeds" or "tares," a key object of συλλέγω in the Parable of the Weeds, representing those destined for judgment.
* δίκτυον (diktyon, `{{G1354}}`): "Net," the instrument used to "gather" fish in the Parable of the Net.
The distinction between συλλέγω and συνάγω is subtle but important; συλλέγω often implies a more active selection or picking process from a larger, undifferentiated whole, leading to a separation of elements.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συλλέγω is profound, particularly due to its prominent use in Jesus' parables concerning the Kingdom of Heaven and divine judgment.
1. **Divine Discernment and Judgment:** The most striking theological implication is the portrayal of God's ultimate discernment and judgment. In the Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Net, συλλέγω describes the process by which God, through His angels, will separate the righteous from the unrighteous at the end of the age. This is not a haphazard collection but a precise, divinely orchestrated act of sifting and separation based on spiritual identity and allegiance. Those who are "causes of sin and law-breakers" are "gathered out" for destruction, while the righteous are preserved.
2. **The Nature of Spiritual Fruit:** In the context of Matthew 7:16 and Luke 6:44, συλλέγω underscores the truth that genuine character (or "fruit") cannot be produced from a corrupt source. This speaks to the necessity of a transformed heart and a true relationship with God for producing actions and attitudes that are pleasing to Him. One cannot "gather" spiritual goodness from a life that is fundamentally opposed to God.
3. **Eschatological Hope and Warning:** For believers, the imagery of συλλέγω offers both hope and a solemn warning. Hope lies in the assurance that God will ultimately gather His own into His eternal kingdom, preserving them from the fate of the wicked. The warning is implicit in the call to bear good fruit and to live righteously, lest one be "gathered out" with those destined for destruction. The process of συλλέγω thus represents the culmination of divine justice and the establishment of God's perfect reign.
### Summary
συλλέγω (syllégō, `{{G4816}}`) literally means "to gather together," "to collect," or "to pick up," stemming from the idea of picking or selecting. In the New Testament, its primary theological significance emerges from its use in Jesus' parables, particularly the Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Net. Here, συλλέγω describes the divine act of separation and judgment at the end of the age, where angels will "gather out" those who cause sin and practice lawlessness for destruction, while the righteous are preserved. It also highlights the principle that true spiritual "fruit" can only be "gathered" from a good source, emphasizing the intrinsic nature of one's character. Thus, συλλέγω is a verb rich with eschatological and ethical implications, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty in discerning and justly separating humanity.
TRV