Brief Overview of συναγωγή (Strong’s G4864: synagōgē)

Strong’s G4864: From συνάγω (to gather together), συναγωγή denotes both the act of gathering and the place of assembly. In Jewish culture, it represents the primary place of worship and community gathering outside the Temple, serving as a center for prayer, Scripture reading, and teaching.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναγωγή represents both a concept and a physical space that was central to Jewish religious and community life. As a compound word derived from συνάγω, it literally means “a bringing together” but evolved to primarily denote the building or institution where Jewish people gathered for worship, teaching, and community activities. In the New Testament, συναγωγή appears frequently in narratives about Jesus’s ministry, as He often taught in synagogues. The early church’s relationship with the synagogue was complex, beginning within its walls before eventually developing distinct Christian gatherings. Today, understanding συναγωγή helps us appreciate both the Jewish roots of Christian worship and the historical context of early church development.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναγωγή, synagōgē, /soon-ag-oh-GAY/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + ag (as in ‘ag-ile’) + oh (as in ‘go’) + gay (as in ‘day’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἄγω (ago): root verb meaning “to lead, bring”
• -η (-ē): feminine noun suffix indicating the result or place of an action

D – Defining Meanings

• A gathering or assembly of people
• The building where Jewish assembly meets
• The congregation itself
• The act of bringing together
• A Jewish house of worship and study

For compound words:
The prefix σύν combined with ἄγω creates the base meaning of “bringing together,” while the suffix -η transforms this action into a concrete noun representing either the place or result of gathering.

Translation Options:

1. “Synagogue” – Best preserves historical and cultural context
2. “Assembly” – Emphasizes the gathering aspect
3. “Meeting place” – Focuses on the location function

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) /ek-klay-SEE-ah/ – assembly, usually referring to Christian church. See G1577
• συνέλευσις (syneleusis) /soon-EL-yoo-sis/ – a coming together, gathering. See G4871
• συναγωγιον (synagogion) /soon-ag-OH-gee-on/ – small synagogue. See G4865

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative Singular: συναγωγή (a synagogue)
• Genitive Singular: συναγωγῆς (of a synagogue)
• Dative Singular: συναγωγῇ (to/in a synagogue)
• Accusative Singular: συναγωγήν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συναγωγή’s dual meaning as both gathering and location. Thayer’s notes its evolution from general assembly to specific Jewish institution. LSJ provides extensive classical usage showing development from abstract to concrete meaning. Vine’s connects it to both Jewish and early Christian worship practices. Strong’s emphasizes its derivation from συνάγω. LEH notes Septuagint usage particularly in describing Jewish community gatherings. Moulton and Milligan highlight papyri evidence of its use in both Jewish and non-Jewish contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Matthew 4:23: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues [συναγωγαῖς], preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”

Additional References:
Matthew 6:2, Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:21, Luke 4:16, John 6:59, Acts 6:9, Acts 13:14, James 2:2, Revelation 2:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναγωγή embodies the concept of God’s people gathering together for worship, learning, and community. In Jesus’s ministry, synagogues were central locations for proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. The Messiah’s frequent teaching in synagogues demonstrates His fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and His desire to reach His people where they gathered. Today, this reminds us that worship spaces are not just buildings but places where God’s people unite to hear His Word and experience His presence.

D – Did You Know?

1. The oldest known synagogue ruins date back to the 3rd century BCE
2. The term συναγωγή appears over 200 times in the Septuagint
3. Early Christians continued to attend synagogue services while also meeting in homes

Strong’s G4864: From συνάγω (to gather together), συναγωγή denotes both the act of gathering and the place of assembly. In Jewish culture, it represents the primary place of worship and community gathering outside the Temple, serving as a center for prayer, Scripture reading, and teaching.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: synagogue, worship, assembly, Jewish culture, gathering place, community, teaching, prayer, congregation, religious institution, Jewish worship, biblical architecture​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​