Spiritual Pursuit: συντρέχω (Strong’s G4936: syntrechō) Draws Crowds to Jesus

Strong’s G4936: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τρέχω (to run), meaning “to run together.” In the New Testament, it often describes crowds eagerly gathering to see Jesus, symbolizing the collective spiritual pursuit of divine truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

συντρέχω powerfully captures the image of people running together with shared purpose. As a compound word, it joins σύν (with, together) and τρέχω (to run), creating a vivid picture of collective movement toward a common goal. In Mark’s Gospel, it describes the eager crowds rushing to see Jesus, symbolizing humanity’s deep spiritual hunger. The early church saw this word as representing the communal nature of faith pursuit. Today, it reminds us that following Jesus is both an individual and collective journey, as believers “run together” toward Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συντρέχω, syntrechō, soon-TREK-oh
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soon’ as in ‘soon’, ‘trek’ as in ‘trek’, ‘oh’ as in ‘go’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• τρέχω (trechō) – root verb meaning “to run”
• The prefix σύν emphasizes collective action
• The root τρέχω indicates swift, purposeful movement

D – Defining Meanings

• To run together
• To gather quickly
• To assemble eagerly
• To rush with others
• To congregate swiftly

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the concept of unity and togetherness to τρέχω’s basic meaning of running, creating a word that emphasizes collective, purposeful movement toward a common destination.

Translation Options:

1. “To run together” – Best captures the physical and communal aspects
2. “To gather quickly” – Emphasizes the swift assembly of people
3. “To rush as one” – Highlights the unified purpose of the movement

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνάγω (synagō, soon-AH-go) – to gather together – See G4863
• συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, soon-ER-kho-mai) – to come together – See G4905
• προστρέχω (prostrechō, pros-TREK-oh) – to run toward – See G4370

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συντρέχω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word would morph in English as follows:

• Present: I run together, you run together, he/she/it runs together
• Past: I ran together, you ran together, he/she/it ran together
• Perfect: I have run together, you have run together, he/she/it has run together

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συντρέχω’s use in describing crowd movements. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical extension to joining in activities. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in military contexts. Vine’s connects it to purposeful gathering. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting unity. LEH notes Septuagint usage in collective actions. Moulton and Milligan find it common in descriptions of public gatherings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and [συντρέχω] ran together thither on foot out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. Mark 6:33

Additional References:
Acts 3:11
1 Peter 4:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συντρέχω beautifully captures the magnetic draw of Jesus’ ministry, showing how people instinctively rushed toward Him. Today, it reminds us that the gospel creates community, drawing people together in pursuit of the Messiah. Just as crowds ran together to see Jesus, we too are called to run collectively toward Him, joining in the shared journey of faith.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in athletic competitions to describe relay races
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe martyrs facing persecution together
3. It appears in ancient military manuals describing tactical formations

Strong’s G4936: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τρέχω (to run), meaning “to run together.” In the New Testament, it often describes crowds eagerly gathering to see Jesus, symbolizing the collective spiritual pursuit of divine truth.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, unity, pursuit, crowds, Jesus, community, movement, collective action, spiritual seeking, fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​