συνάντησις

a meeting with

Definition

The noun συνάντησις (synantēsis) means 'a meeting with' or 'an encounter.' It specifically denotes the act of coming together, often implying a deliberate or arranged meeting. In its single New Testament occurrence in Matthew 8:34, it describes the collective action of a whole town coming out to meet Jesus. While the word itself is neutral, the context of the meeting—whether welcoming or hostile—is determined by the narrative. In broader Greek literature, it could be used for various encounters, from friendly greetings to hostile confrontations.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 8:34. It describes the event where 'all the city' came out to meet (συνάντησιν) Jesus after he healed the demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes. The usage highlights a collective, public movement of people toward a significant figure. The context suggests this 'meeting' was not one of welcome but of request, as they asked him to depart from their region.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' combined with a root related to ἀντάω (antaō), meaning 'to meet face to face' or 'to encounter.' It is a compound noun literally meaning 'a meeting together with.' Cognates include the verb συναντάω (synantaō, G4876), which appears more frequently in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 9:37, Acts 10:25) and carries the same core meaning of meeting or encountering.

Semantic Range

While a simple noun for 'meeting,' its sole biblical use in Matthew 8:34 carries theological weight. It depicts a pivotal moment of rejection. The townspeople's coordinated 'meeting' with Jesus results not in faith or reception of the Messiah, but in a request for him to leave. This encounter starkly contrasts with other 'meetings' in the Gospels where people come to Jesus for healing or teaching, underscoring themes of spiritual blindness and the varied responses to Christ's authority and presence.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, a 'meeting' (synantēsis) of an entire community with a visiting dignitary or figure was a significant public event. It often carried formal or official overtones. The action in Matthew 8:34 reflects this cultural understanding—the whole town acts in concert, representing a communal decision. Their coming out to meet him was a public statement, making their subsequent request for his departure a powerful act of communal rejection, not merely a private opinion.

συναντάω (synantaō, G4876) — the verb form meaning 'to meet with' or 'to encounter.' ἀπάντησις (apantēsis, G529) — a noun for 'a meeting,' often used for a formal welcoming party going out to meet someone (e.g., Matthew 25:6, Acts 28:15). ὑπάντησις (hypantēsis, G5222) — another noun for 'a meeting' or 'encounter,' used similarly (e.g., John 12:13).

Word Details

Scripture References