συντυγχάνω

I meet with, come to

Definition

The verb συντυγχάνω means 'to meet with,' 'to come to,' or 'to fall in with' someone. It conveys the idea of encountering or joining a person, often implying a chance or purposeful meeting. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 8:19, it describes Jesus' mother and brothers attempting to 'meet with' or 'get to' Him through a crowd. The prefix σύν (with) adds a sense of conjunction or togetherness to the basic root meaning of happening upon or attaining.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 8:19. It describes the physical action of Jesus' family trying to reach Him through a pressing crowd. The context is a narrative of Jesus teaching, where His relatives seek a personal audience. No other patterns exist due to its single occurrence.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (G4862), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb τυγχάνω (G5177), meaning 'to happen,' 'to hit,' or 'to attain.' The compound form thus literally means 'to happen together with' or 'to attain to someone.' It shares a root with words like ἐπιτυγχάνω (G2013, to obtain) and κατατυγχάνω (to attain).

Semantic Range

While the word itself describes a simple meeting, its use in Luke 8:19 is theologically significant. It sets the stage for Jesus' profound declaration about His true family being those who 'hear the word of God and do it' (Luke 8:21). The physical attempt to meet with Him contrasts with the spiritual connection He prioritizes, enriching our understanding of discipleship and kingdom relationships.

In the Greco-Roman world, meeting someone, especially a public figure, often required navigating social hierarchies and physical crowds, as depicted in Luke 8:19. The word implies an effort to gain access, which would have been a relatable cultural experience for the original audience, differing from modern ease of communication.

ἀπαντάω (apantaō, G528) — emphasizes meeting face-to-face, often for an interview or confrontation; ἐντυγχάνω (entygchanō, G1793) — means to meet with, but more commonly to intercede or plead a case; συνάντησις (synantēsis, G4876) — a noun for a meeting or encounter.

Word Details

Scripture References