Strong’s G4788: A compound verb meaning “to shut up together, enclose completely.” From σύν (with/together) and κλείω (to shut). Used both literally for enclosing fish in nets and metaphorically for God’s comprehensive work in salvation history, particularly regarding His dealings with Israel and the nations.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκλείω carries both literal and rich metaphorical meanings in Scripture. In its literal sense, it describes the complete enclosure of fish in nets, while metaphorically it expresses God’s sovereign work in bringing all people under His judgment and mercy. The early church saw profound theological significance in this word, particularly in understanding God’s plan of salvation encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. Today, it reminds us of God’s comprehensive work in gathering all peoples into His redemptive purpose.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκλείω, sugkleio, /soong-kli’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KLEE (as in “cleave”) – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κλείω (kleio) meaning “to shut, close”
• Combined meaning: “to shut up together, enclose completely”

D – Defining Meanings

• To enclose completely
• To shut up together
• To confine from all sides

For compound words:

• σύν intensifies the action
• κλείω provides the basic action of shutting
• Combined emphasizes completeness of enclosure

Translation Options:

• “To enclose completely” – Emphasizes thoroughness
• “To shut up together” – Stresses collective confinement
• “To confine entirely” – Highlights comprehensive nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κλείω (kleio) /kli’-o/ – to shut See G2808
• κατακλείω (katakleio) /kat-ak-li’-o/ – to shut up See G2623
• περικλείω (perikleio) /per-ee-kli’-o/ – to enclose around See G4029

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Examples:

• Aorist Active: συνέκλεισα (I enclosed)
• Perfect Active: συγκέκλεικα (I have enclosed)
• Present Active: συγκλείω (I am enclosing)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and theological usage. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical significance in salvation history. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for military containment. Vine’s highlights its usage in fishing contexts. Strong’s connects it to complete enclosure. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for divine judgment. Moulton and Milligan show its use in legal documents for confinement.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 5:6: “And when they had done this, they enclosed [συγκλείω] a great multitude of fishes: and their net was breaking.”

Additional References:
Romans 11:32
Galatians 3:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκλείω powerfully illustrates God’s comprehensive work in salvation. From the miraculous catch of fish to Paul’s theological insights, this word proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s redemptive work encompasses all peoples, bringing both judgment and mercy to fulfill God’s sovereign purpose.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in military contexts for siege operations
• It appears in ancient fishing contracts describing successful catches
• Early church writers used it to discuss universal aspects of salvation

Strong’s G4788: A compound verb meaning “to shut up together, enclose completely.” From σύν (with/together) and κλείω (to shut). Used both literally for enclosing fish in nets and metaphorically for God’s comprehensive work in salvation history, particularly regarding His dealings with Israel and the nations.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: enclosure, confinement, salvation, divine-purpose, fishing, judgment, mercy, paul, luke, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, redemption​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​