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