συναλίζομαι

συναλίζομαι

I am assembled together with

Definition

The verb συναλίζομαι (synalizomai) means 'to be assembled together with' or 'to gather together in one place.' In its sole New Testament occurrence in Acts 1:4, it describes Jesus meeting and eating with his disciples after his resurrection. The term implies a close, communal gathering, not just a casual meeting. While some older lexicons suggested a connection to 'salt' (hals), modern scholarship generally understands it as a compound of 'with' (σύν) and a verb related to gathering or assembling, emphasizing the shared, intimate nature of the event.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 1:4. The context is the post-resurrection period, where Jesus 'was assembled together with' (συναλιζόμενος) his apostles. He shared a meal with them and gave them final instructions before his ascension. This single usage highlights a significant, intentional gathering for fellowship and teaching at a pivotal moment in salvation history.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' combined with a verb stem related to gathering or assembling. The exact root is debated; it may be related to ἀλίζω (halizō, 'to gather') or ἁλής (halēs, 'crowded'). The core idea is assembling people into a group. It is not related to ἅλς (hals, 'salt'), an association found in some older etymologies.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the nature of Jesus's post-resurrection appearances. In Acts 1:4, it underscores the reality of Christ's physical resurrection and his continued fellowship with his disciples. The gathering was for instruction ('charging them') and reaffirmed the community of believers. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the intentional, communal setting in which Jesus delivered his final earthly command to wait for the Holy Spirit, linking the resurrection to the birth of the church. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, sharing a meal was a profound act of fellowship, signifying unity, acceptance, and covenant relationship. For Jesus to be 'assembled together with' his disciples and eating with them (implied in the context) after his resurrection confirmed the restoration of their relationship and his tangible, bodily presence. It countered any notion that his appearances were merely spiritual or ghostly. συνάγω (synagō, G4863) — a more general term for gathering or bringing together people or things. συναθροίζω (synathroizō, G4867) — to gather together in a crowd or multitude, often with a connotation of assembling for a specific purpose.

Word Details