Strong’s G4890: A compound noun combining σύν (together) and δρόμος (running), meaning a running together or concourse of people. Used in Acts to describe a spontaneous gathering or crowd, often with implications of tumultuous or urgent assembly.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνδρομή represents a powerful image of collective movement and gathering. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness (σύν) with running or movement (δρόμος), creating a vivid picture of people rushing together to a common point. In its New Testament context, particularly in Acts 21:30, it describes a spontaneous gathering that formed during a tumultuous situation involving Paul. The early church recognized this term’s significance in describing both the opposition they faced and, ironically, the rapid gathering of believers for worship and support. Today, this word reminds us of how quickly people can gather, whether for opposition or support of the gospel.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνδρομή, syndromē, /sün-drom-ay’/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-dro-MAY (stress on last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• δρόμος (dromos): noun meaning “running” or “course”
• The combination creates the meaning “running together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. A running together of people
2. A concourse or gathering
3. A tumultuous assembly

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Adds the concept of collective action
• δρόμος (dromos): Provides the sense of movement or running
• Together they emphasize swift collective gathering

Translation Options:

1. “Concourse” – Best captures the gathering aspect
2. “Rush” – Emphasizes the swift movement
3. “Assembly” – Highlights the collective nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δρόμος (dromos, /drom’-os/) – See G1408: A race or course
• συναγωγή (synagōgē, /soon-ag-o-gay’/) – See G4864: Assembly or gathering
• ὄχλος (ochlos, /okh’-los/) – See G3793: Crowd or multitude

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνδρομή
• Genitive singular: συνδρομῆς
• Dative singular: συνδρομῇ
• Accusative singular: συνδρομήν
• Cross-references: συντρέχω (syntrechō) – related verb meaning “to run together”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to spontaneous gatherings. Thayer’s notes its usage in contexts of urgent or tumultuous assemblies. LSJ provides examples from classical literature where it describes both organized and spontaneous gatherings. Vine’s highlights its single NT occurrence in Acts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of concurrent running. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for public gatherings and assemblies.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And all the city was moved, and there was a running together [συνδρομή] of the people: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.” Acts 21:30

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνδρομή captures the dynamic nature of how people gather, whether in opposition to or support of truth. While its only New Testament usage describes opposition to Paul’s ministry, it reminds us of how the good news of King Jesus can cause both positive and negative reactions. The gospel’s power to draw crowds and create movement remains as relevant today as it was in the early church.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word later developed medical meanings, describing the confluence of symptoms
2. In Byzantine times, it came to describe liturgical gatherings
3. It shares its root with modern terms like “syndrome” and “palindrome”

Strong’s G4890: A compound noun combining “together” (σύν) with “running” (δρόμος), describing a spontaneous gathering or concourse of people. Its single NT use in Acts 21:30 depicts a tumultuous gathering opposing Paul’s ministry.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: gathering, crowd, assembly, movement, opposition, persecution, public reaction, mob, concourse, tumult, collective action, spontaneous gathering​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​