### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun συνάντησις (synántēsis, `{{G4877}}`) is derived from the verb συναντάω (synantaō, `{{G4876}}`), which means "to meet with," "to encounter," or "to come together." The prefix συν- (syn-) signifies "with" or "together," emphasizing a joint action or shared space. As a noun, συνάντησις denotes the *act*, *event*, or *occasion* of a meeting or encounter. Its semantic range is relatively straightforward, pointing to a coming face-to-face, whether by design or by chance. While the word itself is neutral, the context in which a "meeting" occurs can imbue it with significant purpose, ranging from a casual encounter to a momentous, divinely orchestrated rendezvous.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek noun συνάντησις (G4877) is exceptionally rare in the New Testament. While some textual traditions and older lexicons associate it with [[Matthew 28:9]] (e.g., in the phrase "εἰς συνάντησιν," 'for a meeting'), the most widely accepted critical editions of the Greek New Testament read the verb συναντάω (synantaō, `{{G4876}}`) in this passage (συνήντησεν). Therefore, G4877 as a distinct noun does not appear in the primary textual basis for modern translations.
Nevertheless, its conceptual force is derived directly from its verbal root συναντάω (to meet, to encounter), which does appear in the New Testament (e.g., [[Luke 9:37]], [[Luke 22:10]], [[Acts 4:18]]). If συνάντησις were present in [[Matthew 28:9]], it would underscore the *event* or *act* of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to the women. This encounter, whether described by the noun or the verb, is profoundly significant: it is the risen Lord's personal and immediate self-disclosure to those who sought Him, bringing comfort, confirmation, and a renewed commission. The meeting is not accidental but divinely purposed, marking a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb συναντάω (`{{G4876}}`), from which συνάντησις is derived. This verb is used in contexts such as Jesus meeting the demon-possessed man ([[Luke 9:37]]) or the disciples being instructed to meet a man carrying a water jar ([[Luke 22:10]]). Other Greek words conveying the idea of "meeting" or "coming together" include:
* ἀπαντάω (apantaō, `{{G522}}`): "to meet," often implying a coming forth to meet someone, as in the parables of the virgins ([[Matthew 25:1]]) or the prodigal son's father ([[Luke 15:20]]).
* προσέρχομαι (proserchomai, `{{G4334}}`): "to come to," "to approach," often used for people coming to Jesus or God in prayer.
* ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`): The general verb "to come" or "to go," which can imply a meeting depending on context and accompanying prepositions.
The concept of a "meeting" in biblical thought is often imbued with theological weight, representing moments of divine encounter, covenant renewal, or the unfolding of God's plan.
### Theological Significance
Although συνάντησις is not explicitly present in the most common New Testament texts, the concept it embodies—a purposeful meeting or encounter—holds profound theological significance. When applied to divine-human interactions, such a "meeting" is rarely accidental or trivial. Instead, it often signifies:
1. **Divine Initiative:** God often initiates the encounter, revealing Himself and drawing humanity into relationship. The concept of a divine "meeting" highlights God's active engagement with creation and His personal pursuit of humanity.
2. **Revelation and Confirmation:** Encounters with the divine are frequently moments of revelation, where God's character, will, or redemptive plan is unveiled or confirmed. The post-resurrection meeting in [[Matthew 28:9]] exemplifies this, as Jesus confirms His resurrection and re-commissions His followers.
3. **Relationship and Covenant:** Biblical "meetings" often establish, deepen, or renew a covenant relationship between God and His people. From Abraham's encounters with God to the disciples' meetings with the risen Christ, these interactions are foundational to the biblical narrative of salvation history.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The concept of a final "meeting" with Christ at His return (e.g., "to meet the Lord in the air" in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]], though using ἀπάντησις) is a central tenet of Christian hope, signifying the ultimate consummation of God's plan and the full realization of His presence among His people.
### Summary
συνάντησις (`{{G4877}}`) is a Greek noun denoting a "meeting" or "encounter," derived from the verb συναντάω (`{{G4876}}`). While the noun itself is extremely rare in the New Testament's most widely accepted texts, its conceptual meaning is crucial for understanding biblical narratives of divine-human interaction. The idea of a "meeting," particularly when initiated by God, signifies a purposeful, revelatory, and relationship-shaping event. Such encounters underscore God's active involvement in human history, His personal revelation to His people, and the ongoing development of His redemptive plan, culminating in the ultimate eschatological meeting with Christ.
TRV