Brief Overview of συνάγω (Strong’s G4863: synago)

Strong’s G4863: A compound verb combining σύν (with, together) and ἄγω (to lead, bring), meaning to gather together, assemble, or collect. In NT usage, it often describes both physical gathering and spiritual assembly of God’s people, carrying deep theological significance for church community.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνάγω represents a fundamental concept in biblical narrative and theology, combining the idea of bringing together with purposeful leadership. As a compound verb, it carries the rich meaning of not just random gathering, but intentional assembly under authority. In the New Testament, this word takes on special significance in describing both physical gatherings and the spiritual assembly of believers. The early church particularly embraced this term as it reflected their understanding of being called together by God. Today, συνάγω continues to inform our understanding of church assembly and divine gathering, reminding us that Christian community is not merely social congregation but a Spirit-led unification.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνάγω, synago, /soon-AG-oh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + AG (as in ‘ag-ile’) + oh (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἄγω (ago): root verb meaning “to lead, bring, carry”
• The combination creates the meaning “to lead together” or “to bring together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To gather together physically
• To assemble for a purpose
• To collect or accumulate
• To bring together spiritually
• To welcome or receive (especially of hospitality)

For compound words:
σύν (syn) contributes the concept of togetherness or unity, while ἄγω (ago) provides the action of leading or bringing. Together, they create a word that emphasizes purposeful gathering under leadership.

Translation Options:

1. “To gather” – Best captures the basic meaning but may miss the leadership aspect
2. “To assemble” – Emphasizes the purposeful nature of the gathering
3. “To bring together” – Most literal translation that preserves both components

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀθροίζω (athroizo) /ath-ROY-zoh/ – to gather in a crowd, more spontaneous than συνάγω. See G120
• συναθροίζω (synathroizo) /soon-ath-ROY-zoh/ – to gather together, emphasizes the crowd aspect. See G4867
• ἐπισυνάγω (episynago) /ep-ee-soon-AG-oh/ – to gather together additionally. See G1996

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present), Perfective (aorist), Stative (perfect)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνάγω (I gather)
• Future Active: συνάξω (I will gather)
• Aorist Active: συνήγαγον (I gathered)
• Perfect Active: συνῆχα (I have gathered)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συνάγω’s use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly its importance in describing church assembly. Thayer’s highlights its use in hospitality contexts. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing development from physical gathering to organizational assembly. Vine’s connects it to Old Testament assembly concepts. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature. LEH notes Septuagint usage particularly in gathering God’s people. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of administrative and social gathering contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Matthew 2:4: “When he had gathered [συναγαγών] all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.”

Additional References:
Matthew 3:12, Matthew 6:26, Matthew 13:2, Matthew 18:20, Matthew 25:35, John 4:36, John 11:52, Acts 14:27, Revelation 19:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνάγω embodies the divine initiative in gathering His people. From the Old Testament assemblies to New Testament church gatherings, this word carries the profound truth that God is actively bringing His people together. The good news of King Jesus is that He continues to gather His people, not by force but by love, creating a community united in Him. This gathering transcends mere physical assembly – it represents the spiritual unity of believers worldwide, pointing to the ultimate gathering in His kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνάγω gave rise to the term “synagogue,” literally meaning “a place of gathering”
2. In early Christian literature, συνάγω became technically associated with official church gatherings
3. The word appears over 60 times in the New Testament, making it one of the most significant gathering terms

Strong’s G4863: A compound verb combining σύν (with, together) and ἄγω (to lead, bring), meaning to gather together, assemble, or collect. In NT usage, it often describes both physical gathering and spiritual assembly of God’s people, carrying deep theological significance for church community.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, assembly, church, community, unity, leadership, collection, hospitality, synagogue, congregation, divine gathering, spiritual assembly​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​