συνδρομή

a running together

Definition

The word συνδρομή (syndromē) literally means 'a running together' or 'a rushing together.' It describes a sudden, spontaneous gathering of a crowd, often in a state of agitation or tumult. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 21:30, it refers to the mob that quickly formed and seized Paul in the temple, highlighting the chaotic and violent nature of the assembly. While it can simply denote a concourse of people, its biblical usage strongly emphasizes the impulsive and disorderly character of the gathering.

Biblical Usage

Συνδρομή is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 21:30. It describes the immediate and tumultuous crowd that formed when Jews from Asia saw Paul in the temple and stirred up the people. The usage perfectly captures the scene's sudden chaos: the city was in an uproar, and people came 'running together' to form a mob that dragged Paul from the temple. This singular use shows the word is reserved for describing an agitated, impromptu gathering, not a peaceful assembly.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' combined with the root related to δρόμος (dromos), meaning 'a course' or 'a race.' The verb τρέχω (trechō, 'to run') is a cognate. Thus, the compound word literally means 'a running together,' picturing people converging rapidly from different directions to one point.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, συνδρομή provides important narrative color in Acts 21:30, illustrating the intense opposition to the gospel and the fulfillment of prophecies about Paul's sufferings (Acts 20:23; 21:11). Understanding this word enriches the reading by emphasizing the volatile, public nature of the persecution Paul faced in Jerusalem, which became a catalyst for his journey to Rome and his testimony before rulers.

In the Greco-Roman world, spontaneous public gatherings, especially in politically tense cities like Jerusalem, were viewed with suspicion by authorities as potential riots or insurrections. The 'running together' of a mob was a feared social phenomenon that could lead to violence and summary justice, as seen with Paul. This differs from a modern, organized protest; it was an unpredictable and dangerous surge of collective emotion.

ὄχλος (ochlos, G3793) — a general term for a crowd or multitude, not necessarily implying a sudden or agitated gathering. πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128) — a large number or multitude, often neutral, used for groups of people or things. θόρυβος (thorybos, G2351) — a tumult, uproar, or noise, focusing on the disturbance rather than the act of gathering itself.

Word Details

Scripture References