The Greek word synántēsis, represented by G4877, describes a meeting with someone. This specific term is used infrequently, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The word's definition, "a meeting with," stems from the root verb συναντάω, indicating an encounter or a coming together.
The sole use of G4877 occurs in a tense and significant event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. After a display of Jesus's power, the narrative states, "And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus" Matthew 8:34. This was not a meeting of welcome or curiosity. Instead, the encounter was driven by fear and a desire for separation, as the people who came to meet him immediately "besought him that he would depart out of their coasts" Matthew 8:34.
Several words in the surrounding text illuminate the context of this unique meeting:
- G1831 exérchomai (to issue): This verb describes the action of the whole G3956 city G4172, which "came out" to initiate the meeting with Jesus. It signifies a purposeful, collective movement from one place to another Matthew 8:34.
- G1492 eídō (to see): The meeting leads directly to a moment of perception. It was only after "they saw him" that the people made their request. This act of seeing precipitated their decision to reject him Matthew 8:34.
- G3327 metabaínō (to change place): The ultimate purpose of the meeting, from the city's perspective, was to ask Jesus to "depart." This word highlights their desire for him to change his location and leave their region G3725, a stark contrast to the spiritual passing "from death unto life" described elsewhere 1 John 3:14.
The singular use of G4877 carries significant theological weight regarding the human response to divine power:
- Confrontation with the Divine: The meeting was not one of worship but of confrontation. The entire community came out not to embrace Jesus but to expel Him, showing how an encounter with divine authority can provoke fear.
- Rejection Following Encounter: Upon seeing G1492 Jesus, the immediate response of the people was to beseech G3870 Him to depart G3327. This illustrates a direct rejection that immediately followed a direct meeting with the person of Christ.
- The Nature of a Meeting with Jesus: This event demonstrates that an encounter with Jesus necessitates a choice. The city's unified decision to ask Him to leave their coasts G3725 reveals that some will view His presence as a disruption and choose separation over fellowship.
In summary, while synántēsis G4877 is rare, its single appearance in scripture is profound. It captures a pivotal moment where an entire community comes face-to-face with Jesus G2424. Rather than a joyful reception, this meeting resulted in a unified plea for Him to depart, serving as a stark illustration of how a direct encounter with divine truth and power can lead to fear and rejection instead of faith and acceptance.
TRV