Brief Overview of ἐπισυνάγω (Strong’s G1996: episynágō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for interpreting the New Testament and grasping the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπισυνάγω (Strong’s G1996: episynágō) is particularly significant because it means “to gather together” or “to assemble.” This verb is central to understanding key themes in the New Testament, such as the gathering of believers, eschatological expectations, and community formation. It also reflects broader cultural practices of assembly and gathering in ancient Greek life.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπισυνάγω (episynágō) [eh-pee-soo-NAH-go]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb συνάγω (synágō), meaning “to gather” or “to bring together.” Combined, they convey the idea of “gathering together upon” or “assembling.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To gather together or assemble.
• To bring together in a group or collect.
• To convene or summon, often for a specific purpose.

Similar Words: συνάγω (synágō) [soo-NAH-go] also means “to gather” or “to bring together,” but it is a more general term for gathering or collecting. Episynágō adds the nuance of a more focused or purposeful assembly, often with an emphasis on bringing people together in a more organized or intentional way.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπισυνάγω is a compound word that combines the idea of gathering with the emphasis of “upon” or “over,” suggesting a more intensive or purposeful act of gathering. It is typically used in contexts where there is an intentional assembly or gathering of people, whether for religious, social, or organizational purposes. This verb appears in various forms in different contexts to indicate both literal gatherings and metaphorical assemblies.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπισυνάγω is defined as “to gather together” or “to assemble,” especially in a context where people are brought together for a particular purpose. It is frequently used in eschatological contexts to describe the gathering of God’s people.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes episynágō as “to gather together,” with an emphasis on assembling or collecting, especially in relation to gathering people for instruction, worship, or a specific event. The term carries a strong connotation of purposeful gathering.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Highlights that episynágō is often used in the New Testament in contexts that describe the gathering of believers, particularly with eschatological implications of the final gathering at the end of times.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Notes that episynágō can refer to any kind of gathering or assembly, from the collection of objects to the summoning of a council or community. It often denotes a structured or organized gathering.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines episynágō as “to gather together,” used in both literal and metaphorical senses. It emphasizes the act of collecting or assembling, often in a religious or communal context.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered [ἐπισυνάξαι (episynáxai)] thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
• Mark 13:27: “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together [ἐπισυνάξει (episynáxei)] his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”
• Luke 13:34: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered [ἐπισυνάξαι (episynáxai)] thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισυνάγω (G1996: episynágō)

The Greek word ἐπισυνάγω (episynágō), meaning “to gather together” or “to assemble,” is a verb that conveys the concept of purposeful gathering, whether for a religious, social, or eschatological purpose. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the gathering of people, especially in contexts that involve community, worship, or the eschatological gathering of the elect. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it describes various kinds of assemblies, from military councils to divine gatherings. Understanding episynágō provides valuable insights into the importance of community, purpose, and divine gatherings in early Christian thought and ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπισυνάγω is the root of the English word “synagogue,” which refers to a Jewish house of worship? The term “synagogue” comes from the Greek word synagogē, which means “assembly” or “gathering,” reflecting the word’s deep roots in the concept of bringing people together for a common purpose, whether for worship, discussion, or community.