### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συντυγχάνω (syntynchánō, `{{G4940}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb τυγχάνω (tynchanō), which carries the primary sense of "to hit the mark," "to obtain," "to happen," or "to meet with." When combined, συντυγχάνω conveys the idea of "to chance together," "to meet with," or "to reach." It denotes an encounter or arrival at a specific point or person, implying a coming into contact or proximity. The "chance" aspect in the base definition should be understood not as random fate, but rather as an event that "comes about" or "happens to occur," often in the context of an attempt to make contact. The emphasis is on the successful (or in its sole biblical occurrence, unsuccessful) attainment of a meeting or arrival.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συντυγχάνω (syntynchánō, `{{G4940}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 8:19]]**: "And His mother and His brothers came to Him, and they could not *get to Him* because of the crowd."
* In this solitary occurrence, the word describes the physical inability of Jesus' mother and brothers to reach Him due to the large multitude surrounding Him. The phrase "could not get to Him" (οὐκ ἠδύναντο συντυχεῖν αὐτῷ) highlights a physical obstruction preventing a desired meeting or access. The crowd acts as an impassable barrier, preventing the intended encounter. This context underscores the practical, physical dimension of "reaching" or "coming at" someone, demonstrating that even a simple act of meeting can be hindered by external circumstances.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with συντυγχάνω (syntynchánō, `{{G4940}}`) in the realm of meeting or encountering:
* συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, `{{G4905}}`): "to come together," "to assemble." This word also uses the prefix σύν and focuses on people gathering.
* ἀπαντάω (apantaō, `{{G522}}`): "to meet," often with the nuance of going out to meet someone.
* συναντάω (synantaō, `{{G4876}}`): "to meet with," "to happen upon." This verb is very close in meaning and construction to συντυγχάνω, both combining σύν with a verb of "meeting" or "happening."
* ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`): The general verb "to come" or "to go," which forms the basis for many compound verbs of movement and encounter.
The core concept conveyed by συντυγχάνω is that of *access* or *contact*. The single biblical instance portrays a situation where access is denied, prompting reflection on the various forms of barriers—physical, social, or spiritual—that might prevent one from drawing near to Christ.
### Theological Significance
Though συντυγχάνω (syntynchánō, `{{G4940}}`) appears only once, its contextual use in [[Luke 8:19]] carries subtle yet significant theological weight. The inability of Jesus' own family to "get to Him" due to the crowd serves as a poignant illustration. The crowd, in this instance, represents a tangible barrier. Theologically, this can be extended to represent any impediment—whether worldly distractions, human opinions, societal pressures, or even spiritual apathy—that hinders an individual's ability to draw near to Christ.
The passage implicitly highlights the need for intentionality and perseverance in seeking Jesus. While His family was physically prevented, the narrative often emphasizes that those who truly seek Him, like the woman with the flow of blood in the same chapter ([[Luke 8:43-48]]), are able to "reach" Him and receive His blessing. Thus, συντυγχάνω in its negative usage underscores the reality of obstacles in the spiritual journey and implicitly calls for a determination to overcome them to achieve true communion with the Lord. It reminds us that access to Christ, though freely offered, may require navigating through various "crowds" or hindrances.
### Summary
The Greek verb συντυγχάνω (syntynchánō, `{{G4940}}`) signifies "to meet with," "to come at," or "to reach." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 8:19]] describes Jesus' mother and brothers being unable to "get to Him" because of the surrounding crowd. This specific usage highlights the concept of physical barriers preventing desired contact. Theologically, this can be understood as an illustration of the various hindrances—whether physical, social, or spiritual—that may impede one's ability to draw near to Christ. The word, therefore, points to the importance of overcoming obstacles and exercising intentionality and perseverance in seeking and encountering the Lord.
TRV