Brief Overview of σύνειμι (Strong’s G4896: syneimi)

Strong’s G4896: A compound verb combining σύν (together) and εἶμι (to go/come), meaning to come together or assemble. Used in NT to describe crowds gathering to hear Jesus teach, emphasizing the collective movement of people drawn to His ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύνειμι represents the dynamic gathering of people drawn together for a purpose. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together) with εἶμι (to go/come), creating a term that describes purposeful assembly. In its New Testament usage in Luke 8:4, it portrays the magnetic draw of Jesus’ ministry, as crowds came together to hear His teaching. The early church saw this word as symbolizing both the physical gathering of believers and the spiritual drawing together of God’s people. Today, this word continues to remind us of the powerful attraction of the gospel message and the importance of collective assembly for hearing God’s Word.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύνειμι, syneimi, /sün’-i-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOON-ay-mee (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• εἶμι (eimi): verb meaning “to go” or “come”
• The combination creates the meaning “to come together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To come together
2. To gather as a group
3. To assemble for a purpose

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Adds the concept of collective action
• εἶμι (eimi): Provides the core meaning of movement
• Together they emphasize purposeful gathering

Translation Options:

1. “Come together” – Best captures the movement aspect
2. “Gather” – Emphasizes the collective nature
3. “Assemble” – Highlights the purposeful nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, /soon-er’-khom-ahee/) – See G4905: To come together
• συνάγω (synagō, /soon-ag’-o/) – See G4863: To gather together
• ἐπισυνάγω (episynagō, /ep-ee-soon-ag’-o/) – See G1996: To gather together additionally

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: σύνειμι (I come together)
• Present Participle: συνιών (coming together)
• Imperfect: συνῄει (was coming together)
• Cross-references: σύνοδος (synodos) – related noun meaning “assembly”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use for purposeful gathering. Thayer’s notes its application to crowds assembling to hear teaching. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various types of assemblies. Vine’s highlights its usage in describing crowds gathering around Jesus. Strong’s connects it to the concept of coming together. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for public gatherings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And when much people were gathered [σύνειμι] together, and were come to Him out of every city, He spake by a parable:” Luke 8:4

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύνειμι captures the magnetic draw of the Messiah’s ministry, as people gathered to hear His teaching. The good news of King Jesus continues to draw people together, fulfilling His words that when He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself. This word reminds us that the gospel both gathers and unifies, creating a community of believers drawn by His truth and love.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient texts describing festival gatherings
2. Appears in early Christian writings about worship assemblies
3. The word influenced terminology for church gatherings

Strong’s G4896: A compound verb combining “together” (σύν) with “to go” (εἶμι), expressing purposeful gathering or assembly. Its single NT use describes crowds gathering to hear Jesus teach, emphasizing the drawing power of His ministry.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, assembly, crowds, coming together, collective movement, church gathering, drawing together, congregation, public assembly, audience​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​