Brief Overview of ἐπισυναγωγή (Strong’s G1997: episynagōgē)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and exploring the cultural and spiritual dynamics of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπισυναγωγή (Strong’s G1997: episynagōgē) is particularly significant as it means “gathering together” or “assembly.” This noun is essential for understanding key themes related to communal worship, eschatological gatherings, and the importance of fellowship in early Christian communities. The term also reflects broader Greek cultural practices of assembly and social gathering.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπισυναγωγή (episynagōgē) [eh-pee-soo-nah-go-GAY]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐπισυνάγω (episynágō), meaning “to gather together” or “to assemble,” and the suffix -ή (-ē), which forms nouns. This combination implies “the act of gathering together” or “an assembly.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• An assembling or gathering together.
• A meeting or congregation, often for worship or religious purposes.
• The act of bringing people together for a specific purpose, particularly in a communal or eschatological context.

Similar Words: συναγωγή (synagōgē) [soo-nah-go-GAY] also means “assembly” or “gathering” and is commonly used to refer to a Jewish synagogue or place of worship. While synagōgē can denote any gathering place, episynagōgē emphasizes the act of gathering together or assembling with a specific, often eschatological or spiritual, purpose.

Further Insights: The noun ἐπισυναγωγή is part of the first declension in Greek, which typically includes feminine nouns ending in -ή or -α. It is used in the New Testament to denote gatherings of believers, especially in the context of the eschatological assembly of God’s people. The word carries the idea of a purposeful, often divinely directed, assembly and is closely related to terms used for worship and fellowship in the early church.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπισυναγωγή is defined as “a gathering together” or “assembly,” often in a religious context. It is specifically used to denote the eschatological gathering of believers at the end of times, emphasizing a divinely orchestrated assembly.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes episynagōgē as “a gathering together” or “a congregation.” The term is particularly used in contexts where there is a focused assembly for spiritual or worship purposes, highlighting the importance of communal gatherings in the early church.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that episynagōgē is used in the New Testament to refer to the gathering of believers, especially in anticipation of Christ’s return. It conveys a strong sense of unity and purpose among the gathered community.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that episynagōgē can refer to any gathering or assembly, but it is particularly applied to formal gatherings, whether for religious, social, or political purposes. It often implies an organized or intentional assembly.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines episynagōgē as “a gathering together” or “a meeting,” especially used in the New Testament to refer to the assembling of believers. It emphasizes the importance of collective worship and fellowship.

Related Scripture References

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together [ἐπισυναγωγῆς (episynagōgēs)] unto him.”
• Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling [ἐπισυναγωγὴν (episynagōgēn)] of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισυναγωγή (G1997: episynagōgē)

The Greek word ἐπισυναγωγή (episynagōgē), meaning “gathering together” or “assembly,” is a noun that conveys the concept of a purposeful and often divinely directed assembly. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the gathering of believers, especially in eschatological contexts anticipating Christ’s return. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it denotes gatherings for various purposes, including worship, political discussion, and communal decision-making. Understanding episynagōgē provides valuable insights into early Christian practices of fellowship, worship, and anticipation of the end times, as well as the broader cultural practices of assembly in ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπισυναγωγή is closely related to the term “synagogue,” which also comes from the Greek synagōgē? Both words share the root concept of gathering or assembling, but while “synagogue” generally refers to a Jewish house of worship, episynagōgē emphasizes the act of gathering or the assembly itself, especially in an eschatological sense for the early Christian community.