Brief Overview of συναλίζω (Strong’s G4871: synalizō)

Strong’s G4871: A compound verb from σύν (with) and ἁλίζω (to gather, assemble), meaning to gather together, particularly for eating salt together or sharing a meal. In NT usage, it describes Jesus’s intimate post-resurrection gatherings with His disciples.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναλίζω represents a profound concept of intimate fellowship and communal gathering. As a compound word, it combines togetherness with the act of gathering, possibly connected to the sharing of salt or meals. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in describing Jesus’s post-resurrection gatherings with His disciples, emphasizing the intimate fellowship and teaching that occurred during these meetings. The early church understood this term as representing sacred fellowship and communion. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian fellowship, particularly in the context of sharing meals and intimate discipleship gatherings.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναλίζω, synalizō, /soon-al-ID-zoh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + al (as in ‘pal’) + ID (as in ‘lid’) + zoh (as in ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἁλίζω (halizō): to gather or assemble
• Possibly related to ἅλς (hals): salt
• The relationship to salt suggests fellowship through shared meals

D – Defining Meanings

• To gather together
• To assemble for fellowship
• To convene for a meal
• To meet intimately as a group
• To gather for communal purposes

For compound words:
σύν emphasizes joint participation, while ἁλίζω contributes the concept of gathering or assembling, possibly with connotations of sharing salt/meals together.

Translation Options:

1. “To gather together” – Emphasizes the assembly aspect
2. “To meet in fellowship” – Highlights the communal nature
3. “To convene intimately” – Stresses the close relationship aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνάγω (synagō) /soon-AG-oh/ – to gather together, more general term. See G4863
• συναθροίζω (sunathroizō) /soon-ath-ROY-zoh/ – to gather in a crowd. See G4867
• συνέρχομαι (synerchomai) /soon-ER-khom-ahee/ – to come together. See G4905

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Participle
• Voice: Passive, Middle
• Mood: Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Middle/Passive Participle: συναλιζόμενος (being gathered together)
• Present Middle: συναλίζομαι (I gather together with)
• Aorist Middle: συνηλισάμην (I gathered together with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the fellowship aspect of the gathering. Thayer’s notes possible connection to sharing salt/meals. LSJ provides evidence of use in describing fellowship gatherings. Vine’s connects it to intimate assembly. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of joint gathering. LEH notes its use in describing communal meals. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its use in describing formal assemblies.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Acts 1:4: “And being assembled together [συναλιζόμενος] with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναλίζω beautifully captures the intimate fellowship between Jesus and His disciples, particularly in post-resurrection gatherings. The good news of King Jesus includes not just salvation but invitation into intimate fellowship with Him and His people. This word reminds us that Christian fellowship, especially around shared meals, is a sacred continuation of Jesus’s practice of gathering with His followers.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word possibly connects to the ancient practice of sharing salt as a symbol of fellowship
2. It appears only once in the New Testament, describing a crucial post-resurrection gathering
3. Early church gatherings often involved shared meals, reflecting this concept

Strong’s G4871: A compound verb from σύν (with) and ἁλίζω (to gather, assemble), meaning to gather together, particularly for eating salt together or sharing a meal. In NT usage, it describes Jesus’s intimate post-resurrection gatherings with His disciples.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fellowship, gathering, assembly, communion, shared meals, discipleship, post-resurrection, intimate fellowship, community, Christian fellowship, sacred assembly, communal gathering​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​