### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word *synalízō* (G4871) is a compound verb derived from the preposition *syn* (σύν), meaning "with" or "together," and a root related to gathering or thronging. The base definition provided indicates "to accumulate, i.e. convene," leading to the sense of "assemble together." This suggests an intentional bringing together of individuals, not merely a casual meeting, but a purposeful gathering. The *syn-* prefix emphasizes the collective nature of the action, highlighting unity or shared presence in a specific location or for a particular purpose. While some scholarly debate exists regarding the precise nuance of the root (e.g., related to "eating salt with" or "being gathered on a threshing floor"), the dominant understanding, especially in its New Testament usage, points to the act of convening or assembling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *synalízō* (G4871) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 1:4]]**: "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, 'you have heard from Me.'"
This singular occurrence is profoundly significant. It describes Jesus' final gathering with His disciples before His ascension. The context is crucial:
1. **Divine Command**: Jesus Himself initiates and commands this assembly. It is not a spontaneous gathering but a divinely orchestrated one.
2. **Location**: The command is specific: "not to depart from Jerusalem." This highlights the importance of place for the ensuing divine event.
3. **Purpose**: The assembly is for a specific purpose: to receive final instructions and to "wait for the promise of the Father," which is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The act of "being assembled together" (συναλιζόμενος) underscores the disciples' unity and their shared anticipation of the Spirit. It sets the stage for the birth of the Church, emphasizing the corporate nature of the coming empowerment and mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding *synalízō* (G4871) is aided by comparing it with other Greek terms for gathering:
* **συνάγω (synagō) `{{G4863}}`**: This is a very common word meaning "to gather together," "collect," or "bring together." It is the root for "synagogue" and is used broadly for various types of assemblies. While similar in meaning, *synalízō* (G4871) in Acts 1:4 might convey a more intimate or specific gathering, particularly given its rare usage.
* **συνέρχομαι (synerchomai) `{{G4905}}`**: Meaning "to come together" or "assemble," often used for people meeting for a particular purpose (e.g., [[Acts 1:6]], [[1 Corinthians 11:20]]). Like *synalízō* (G4871), it denotes a purposeful assembly.
* **ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) `{{G1577}}`**: While a noun, it refers to the "assembly" or "church" – a called-out gathering of people. The act described by *synalízō* (G4871) is foundational to the concept of the *ekklesia*.
* **ἀθροίζω (athroizō) `{{G199}}`**: Means "to collect," "gather together," or "assemble." It often implies a larger collection or crowd.
The uniqueness of *synalízō* (G4871) in Acts 1:4, despite the availability of more common synonyms, suggests a deliberate choice by the author (Luke) to highlight the particular nature of this final, divinely commanded gathering of the disciples with their resurrected Lord.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of *synalízō* (G4871) in [[Acts 1:4]] carries immense theological weight. It marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history:
* **Divine Initiative**: The fact that Jesus "assembled together with them" and commanded them signifies that the gathering of His followers is not arbitrary but divinely purposed. It underscores Christ's continued leadership and authority even after His resurrection.
* **Corporate Identity**: This assembly highlights the corporate nature of the early Christian community. The disciples are not to wait for the Spirit in isolation but as a unified body. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) is a communal event, empowering a collective witness.
* **Preparation for Mission**: The gathering serves as a crucial preparatory stage for the Church's mission. It is here that the disciples receive their final instructions and the promise of the power that will enable them to be Christ's "witnesses to the ends of the earth" [[Acts 1:8]]. The assembly is therefore directly linked to the Great Commission and the subsequent expansion of the gospel.
* **Continuity and Transition**: This final assembly bridges the period of Jesus' earthly ministry with the era of the Church empowered by the Holy Spirit. It signifies a transition from direct physical presence of Christ to His spiritual presence through the Spirit in the gathered community.
### Summary
*Synalízō* (G4871) means "to assemble together" or "to convene." Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, in [[Acts 1:4]], describes the crucial, divinely commanded gathering of Jesus with His disciples before His ascension. This assembly was not merely a casual meeting but a purposeful convocation for instruction and, most significantly, to wait collectively for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The theological significance of this word lies in its depiction of a divinely initiated, corporate gathering that served as the foundational moment for the Church's identity, empowerment, and mission. It underscores the unity of believers and the necessity of their collective presence in receiving divine promise and embarking on the Great Commission.
TRV