### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4867 συναθροίζω (transliterated as *synathroízō*) is a verb meaning "to convene," "to call together," or "to gather together." Its etymology provides significant insight into its semantic range. The word is a compound formed from the preposition σύν (*syn*), meaning "with" or "together," and ἀθροίζω (*athroízō*), which means "to gather," "to collect," or "to hoard." The prefix σύν intensifies the action of gathering, emphasizing a bringing together of multiple individuals or items into a unified group or location. It implies a purposeful and often collective act of assembly, rather than a mere accidental accumulation. The nuance of συναθροίζω often suggests a more direct and intentional convening, a deliberate act of bringing people into a common space for a specific purpose, whether for discussion, prayer, or collective action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4867 συναθροίζω appears four times in the New Testament, each instance shedding light on its specific application:
* **[[Luke 24:33]]**: "And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them." Here, the disciples, having heard the news of the resurrection and the testimony of the Emmaus disciples, are found already assembled. The context suggests an urgent, spontaneous gathering of the core group of believers, united by shared news and anticipation. It highlights the immediate impulse of the early community to come together in moments of profound revelation and uncertainty.
* **[[Acts 1:6]]**: "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" This passage describes the apostles gathering with Jesus prior to His ascension. The use of συναθροίζω here points to a deliberate assembly for instruction and interaction with the risen Lord. Their collective presence facilitates their communal questioning and understanding of His final teachings.
* **[[Acts 12:12]]**: "And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying." This verse vividly portrays the early church engaged in corporate prayer for Peter's release from prison. The word emphasizes the large number of believers who had intentionally convened for a specific, urgent spiritual purpose. It underscores the communal nature of prayer and mutual support within the nascent Christian community.
* **[[Acts 19:25]]**: "Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth." In this secular context, Demetrius, the silversmith, gathers his fellow craftsmen. This instance demonstrates that συναθροίζω is not exclusively used for spiritual assemblies but can describe any purposeful convening of individuals, in this case, for economic and potentially conspiratorial reasons. It shows the word's versatility in denoting a strategic gathering.
Across these occurrences, συναθροίζω consistently denotes an intentional coming together of people, whether for fellowship, instruction, prayer, or strategic planning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "gathering" is central to biblical thought, particularly in the formation and functioning of God's people. Several Greek terms share semantic overlap with G4867 συναθροίζω, but each carries distinct nuances:
* `{{G4863}}` (συνάγω - *synágō*): This is perhaps the most common Greek word for "to gather" or "to bring together." While συναθροίζω emphasizes the *act* of convening or assembling, συνάγω often describes the more general act of collecting or bringing things/people to a place. συνάγω is frequently used for the gathering of people into a synagogue (συναγωγή, `{{G4864}}`). συναθροίζω might imply a more direct, perhaps urgent, or less formal act of "calling together" than the regular "assembling" connoted by συνάγω.
* `{{G1993}}` (ἐπισυνάγω - *episynágō*): Meaning "to gather together upon" or "to gather besides," this word often carries the connotation of a more intensive or complete gathering, sometimes with eschatological implications (e.g., Christ gathering His elect).
* `{{G1577}}` (ἐκκλησία - *ekklēsía*): While a noun meaning "assembly" or "church," it is profoundly related as it describes the *result* of God's calling and gathering of His people. The church is the "called-out" assembly, making the act of συναθροίζω a practical expression of its nature.
* `{{H6950}}` (קָהַל - *qāhal*): In the Old Testament, this Hebrew root similarly refers to the act of assembling or gathering a congregation, often for religious purposes, leading to terms like קָהָל (*qāhāl*), "assembly" or "congregation."
G4867 συναθροίζω stands out by its emphasis on the active process of bringing people together, often with a sense of urgency or specific purpose, distinguishing it from more general terms for aggregation.
### Theological Significance
The repeated use of G4867 συναθροίζω in the early Christian context, particularly in Luke-Acts, underscores a profound theological principle: the inherent communal nature of faith. Christianity is not merely an individual pursuit but a corporate journey.
1. **Community and Fellowship:** The act of "gathering together" is fundamental to Christian *koinonia* (fellowship). The disciples in [[Luke 24:33]] and the believers in [[Acts 12:12]] instinctively gather, demonstrating that shared experience, mutual encouragement, and collective worship are vital expressions of faith. This communal gathering is where spiritual truths are affirmed, burdens are shared, and divine power is often manifested.
2. **Corporate Prayer:** [[Acts 12:12]] highlights the power and importance of corporate prayer. When believers συναθροίζω for prayer, it signifies a unified appeal to God, demonstrating reliance on Him and solidarity with one another. This collective supplication is often presented as a catalyst for divine intervention.
3. **Instruction and Discernment:** The apostles συναθροίζω with Jesus in [[Acts 1:6]] to receive final instructions. This illustrates the importance of the gathered community as a place for teaching, learning, and discerning God's will. The collective mind, guided by the Holy Spirit, can grasp truths more fully.
4. **The Nature of the Church:** While not explicitly defining the church, the consistent use of συναθροίζω for gatherings of believers points to the church as an assembly, a people called together by God and who subsequently come together by His Spirit. The very act of *synathroízō* is a tangible expression of the church's identity as the *ekklesia* – the "called-out" assembly.
Theologically, συναθροίζω signifies the divine design for believers to exist and operate in community, supporting one another, seeking God together, and collectively advancing His purposes.
### Summary
G4867 συναθροίζω (transliterated *synathroízō*) means "to convene" or "to gather together," emphasizing a purposeful and intentional assembly. Derived from σύν (together) and ἀθροίζω (to gather), it highlights the active bringing of individuals into a unified group. Its four occurrences in the New Testament ([[Luke 24:33]], [[Acts 1:6]], [[Acts 12:12]], [[Acts 19:25]]) demonstrate its use in both sacred and secular contexts, consistently denoting a deliberate coming together for a specific objective. The word underscores the vital importance of community, corporate prayer, and collective instruction within the early Christian movement, reflecting the inherent communal nature of faith and the church's identity as a gathered people.
TRV