Brief Overview of συνέρχομαι (Strong’s G4905: synerchomai)

Strong’s G4905: A compound verb combining σύν (together) and ἔρχομαι (to come/go), meaning to come together, assemble, or gather. In NT usage, describes various gatherings from marriage union to church assemblies, emphasizing purposeful coming together of people.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνέρχομαι represents the significant concept of gathering or coming together. As a compound word, it joins σύν (together) with ἔρχομαι (to come), creating a term that describes intentional assembly. Its first New Testament appearance in Matthew 1:18 refers to marital union, while other uses describe church gatherings, crowds assembling to hear Jesus, and disciples gathering for fellowship. The early church particularly embraced this term to describe their assemblies for worship and communion. Today, this word continues to emphasize the importance of Christian gathering and fellowship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνέρχομαι, synerchomai, /soon-er’-khom-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-ERR-kho-my (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἔρχομαι (erchomai): verb meaning “to come” or “go”
• The combination creates the meaning “to come together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To come together, assemble
2. To gather for a purpose
3. To meet in assembly
4. To be united (in marriage context)

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes collective action
• ἔρχομαι (erchomai): Provides movement/direction
• Together they express purposeful gathering

Translation Options:

1. “Come together” – Best captures both movement and unity
2. “Gather” – Emphasizes collective assembly
3. “Meet together” – Highlights intentional congregation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνάγω (synagō, /soon-ag’-o/) – See G4863: To gather together
• ἐπισυνάγω (episynagō, /ep-ee-soon-ag’-o/) – See G1996: To gather together additionally
• συναθροίζω (synathroizō, /soon-ath-roy’-zo/) – See G4867: To assemble together

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Example morphological changes:

• Present: συνέρχομαι (I come together)
• Aorist: συνῆλθον (I came together)
• Perfect: συνελήλυθα (I have come together)
• Cross-references: συνέλευσις (syneleusis) – related noun meaning “gathering”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes multiple contexts of gathering, from marriage to worship. Thayer’s notes its range from casual meetings to formal assemblies. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various types of gatherings. Vine’s highlights its use in both physical and spiritual contexts. Strong’s connects it to purposeful assembly. Moulton and Milligan document its use in both legal and social contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together [συνέρχομαι], she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:18

Additional References:
Mark 3:20, John 18:20, Acts 1:6, Acts 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:17, 1 Corinthians 14:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνέρχομαι beautifully captures the essential nature of Christian fellowship and assembly. The good news of King Jesus creates community, drawing people together for worship, fellowship, and mutual edification. Just as the early church gathered regularly, we too are called to come together as the body of the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient marriage contracts
2. Appears in descriptions of early church communion services
3. Influenced development of ecclesiastical terminology

Strong’s G4905: A compound verb joining “together” (σύν) with “to come” (ἔρχομαι), expressing purposeful gathering. Used in NT for various assemblies from marriage union to church gatherings, emphasizing intentional coming together for specific purposes.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, assembly, meeting, church, fellowship, communion, congregation, unity, marriage, collective worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​