Brief Overview of συγκαλέω (Strong’s G4779: sugkaleo)

Strong’s G4779: A compound verb meaning “to call together, summon, convene.” From σύν (with) and καλέω (to call). Used in various contexts from military gatherings to spiritual assemblies, particularly significant in Luke-Acts for gatherings where important announcements or celebrations occur.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκαλέω carries the primary meaning of calling people together for a specific purpose. In the New Testament, it appears in both secular and sacred contexts, from soldiers gathering to mock the Messiah to the joyful assembly of friends to celebrate finding what was lost. The early church saw special significance in this word as it related to God’s calling of His people together for fellowship and purpose. Today, it reminds us of both the divine initiative in gathering His people and our responsibility to respond to His call to assembly.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκαλέω, sugkaleo, /soong-kal-eh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kal (as in “call”) – EH – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• καλέω (kaleo) meaning “to call, summon”
• Combined meaning: “to call together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To call together
• To summon an assembly
• To convene a gathering

For compound words:

• σύν indicates joint gathering
• καλέω provides the action of calling
• Combined emphasizes purposeful assembly

Translation Options:

• “To call together” – Most direct translation
• “To summon” – Emphasizes authority aspect
• “To convene” – Highlights formal gathering

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσκαλέω (proskaleo) /pros-kal-eh’-o/ – to call to oneself See G4341
• ἐκκαλέω (ekkaleo) /ek-kal-eh’-o/ – to call out See G1577
• συνάγω (sunago) /soon-ag’-o/ – to gather together See G4863

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Continuous (Present)

Examples:

• Present Active: συγκαλέω (I call together)
• Aorist Active: συνεκάλεσα (I called together)
• Present Middle: συγκαλοῦμαι (I call together for myself)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in formal gatherings. Thayer’s notes both secular and religious applications. LSJ traces its frequent use in military contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Luke’s writings. Strong’s connects it to authoritative summons. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for assemblies. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in official documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 15:16: “And the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together [συγκαλέω] the whole band.”

Additional References:
Luke 9:1
Luke 15:6
Luke 15:9
Luke 23:13
Acts 5:21
Acts 10:24
Acts 28:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκαλέω reminds us that God is actively calling His people together for His purposes. Whether in celebration of the found or in solemn assembly, this word speaks to the divine initiative in gathering His people. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus continues to call people together into His kingdom community.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears most frequently in Luke’s writings
• It was commonly used in military contexts for mustering troops
• Early church documents used it for calling congregational meetings

Strong’s G4779: A compound verb meaning “to call together, summon, convene.” From σύν (with) and καλέω (to call). Used in various contexts from military gatherings to spiritual assemblies, particularly significant in Luke-Acts for gatherings where important announcements or celebrations occur.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, assembly, calling, summons, church-gathering, divine-calling, community, luke-acts, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, congregation, fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​