The Greek word syndromḗ, represented by G4890, means a running together or a (riotous) concourse. It is derived from a word meaning to run with others. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, capturing a moment of intense, collective movement.
The sole use of G4890 is found in Acts 21:30, which describes a tumultuous event in Jerusalem. The text states that "all the city was moved, and the people ran together." This concourse was not peaceful; its purpose was to seize the apostle Paul. The crowd took G1949 Paul G3972, drew G1670 him out of the temple G2411, and the doors G2374 were forthwith G2112 shut G2808 behind them.
Several related words from this passage help define the context of this "running together":
- G2795 kinéō (to stir): This word describes the initial state of the city, which was moved or stirred into action, leading to the riotous concourse Acts 21:30.
- G2992 laós (people): This identifies the group involved in the action. It was not a small faction, but the people in general who formed the concourse against Paul Acts 21:30.
- G1949 epilambánomai (to seize): This clarifies the purpose of the running together. The crowd gathered to seize Paul, an action described as to "lay hold upon" Acts 21:30.
- G1670 helkýō (to drag): This describes the forceful nature of the crowd's actions. After seizing Paul, they drew or dragged him from the temple precincts Acts 21:30.
The narrative weight of G4890 is significant, marking a critical turning point in Paul's ministry.
- Mass Upheaval: The term captures a spontaneous and unified uprising. The use of "all the city" (G3650, G4172) and "the people" G2992 emphasizes the scale of the opposition Acts 21:30.
- Hostile Intent: The "running together" is not for a benign purpose. It culminates in the violent seizure and removal of Paul, showing the crowd's hostile intent Acts 21:30.
- Final Rejection: The action is immediately followed by the shutting of the temple G2411 doors G2374. This act symbolizes a definitive rejection of Paul and his message from the center of Jewish religious life Acts 21:30.
In summary, G4890 is more than a simple description of movement. It is a specific term for a riotous concourse, used once in scripture to depict a moment of intense, city-wide hostility. Its appearance in Acts 21:30 marks the climax of the opposition against Paul in Jerusalem, illustrating a unified rejection that led directly to his removal from the temple and subsequent arrest.
TRV