συναθροίζω

I gather together, assemble

Definition

The verb συναθροίζω means to gather or assemble people together, often with a sense of urgency or for a specific purpose. In Luke 24:33, it describes the disciples gathering together after hearing the news of Jesus' resurrection. In Acts 12:12, it refers to a group of believers assembled for prayer at Mary's house. In Acts 19:25, it depicts the silversmiths rallying a crowd in Ephesus, showing it can describe both peaceful gatherings and agitated mobs. The core meaning is a deliberate bringing together of a group.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the New Testament, all in Luke-Acts, showing it is part of Luke's specific vocabulary. It is used for gatherings of believers (Luke 24:33, Acts 12:12) and for a hostile, secular gathering (Acts 19:25). The context determines whether the assembly is for communal purpose (like prayer or discussion) or for agitation and protest.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the verb ἀθροίζω (athroizō, meaning 'to gather' or 'to crowd'). The compound emphasizes a collective, unified gathering. It is a more intensive form than the simple 'gather' (ἀθροίζω), highlighting the act of bringing people into one place from various locations.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the importance of communal gathering in the early church, especially following Jesus' resurrection and during times of crisis (Acts 12:12). It underscores that the Christian faith was lived out in community, not in isolation. Understanding its use for both peaceful and hostile assemblies reminds readers that the church's gathering often existed in tension with the surrounding culture.

In the Greco-Roman world, public assemblies (ἐκκλησίαι) were central to civic and political life. Συναθροίζω could describe such a formal or informal gathering. The gathering in Ephesus (Acts 19:25) mirrors the volatile nature of civic assemblies where economic and religious interests could quickly incite a riot, a common occurrence in ancient cities.

ἐπισυνάγω (episynagō, G1996) — to gather together, often with an eschatological connotation (e.g., Matthew 24:31). συνάγω (synagō, G4863) — a more common, general term for gathering people or things. ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, G1577) — the resulting assembly or congregation itself, not the act of gathering.

Word Details

Scripture References