Brief Overview of ἐπισυντρέχω (Strong’s G1998: episyntréchō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπισυντρέχω (Strong’s G1998: episyntréchō) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of “running together” or “coming together quickly.” This verb is important for understanding moments of sudden gathering or convergence, whether in a physical, social, or spiritual sense, and it reflects the dynamism and urgency often depicted in New Testament narratives and ancient Greek literature.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπισυντρέχω (episyntréchō) [eh-pee-soon-TREH-kho]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “toward,” and the verb συντρέχω (syntréchō), meaning “to run together.” Combined, they suggest the idea of running towards something together or converging rapidly.
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To run together or converge quickly.
• To assemble or come together in haste.
• To rush or crowd towards a particular point or location.

Similar Words: συνέρχομαι (synérchomai) [soo-NER-kho-my] also means “to come together” or “to assemble,” but it generally refers to a more organized gathering or meeting rather than a sudden or rushed convergence. Episyntréchō emphasizes the rapidity and immediacy of coming together, often in response to an event or a call.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπισυντρέχω is a compound verb that combines the elements of running and coming together, highlighting urgency and immediacy. It appears in the New Testament to describe situations where people quickly gather in response to a significant event or announcement. This verb’s structure reflects the dynamic nature of certain gatherings, especially in response to unexpected occurrences.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπισυντρέχω is defined as “to run together” or “to rush together,” particularly in the sense of people or crowds converging quickly at a location or event. It emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the action.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes episyntréchō as “to run together to a place,” often used in contexts where crowds rapidly assemble or gather, suggesting a sense of haste or urgency in the movement.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that episyntréchō involves the act of rushing or running together, typically in response to an event or call. It conveys a vivid sense of action and immediate gathering.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that episyntréchō is used to describe rapid gatherings or convergences, both in literal and metaphorical senses, reflecting the dynamic and often chaotic nature of such assemblies.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines episyntréchō as “to run together,” underscoring its use in the New Testament to depict moments where people or groups quickly converge or assemble in response to a situation.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 9:25: “When Jesus saw that the people came running together [ἐπισυντρέχοντα (episyntrékhonta)], he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισυντρέχω (G1998: episyntréchō)

The Greek word ἐπισυντρέχω (episyntréchō), meaning “to run together” or “to converge quickly,” is a verb that captures the dynamic action of sudden gathering or rushing together. In the New Testament, it is used to describe situations where crowds quickly converge in response to a significant event, emphasizing urgency and immediacy. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it often describes the rapid assembly of people or forces in reaction to news or commands. Understanding episyntréchō provides valuable insights into the narrative dynamics of the New Testament and the social behaviors of ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπισυντρέχω is a compound word that vividly combines the idea of running with the concept of gathering together? This unique combination conveys a sense of urgency and rapid response, making it a powerful term for describing moments of collective action in ancient texts, where speed and unity were crucial in times of crisis or celebration.