ἐπαθροίζομαι (epathroizomai)
epathroizomai
to collect/crowd
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The passive form epathroizomai describes a scene where people gather closely around someone, pressing in from all sides. Derived from roots meaning "to assemble" and the prefix for "besides," it paints a vivid picture of a crowd that has coalesced into a tight circle. In Luke 11:29, Jesus uses this imagery to describe the multitude gathering to hear Him, capturing the physical reality of a large group moving toward a central figure.
This word distinguishes itself by emphasizing the action of crowding or pressing in, rather than just general assembly. The sources highlight its use for people who are not merely present but actively surrounding another person. This creates a sense of intensity and focus, as the crowd’s attention is fixed on the one at the center. Translators often render it simply as "crowd," though the Greek conveys the specific motion of closing ranks around a subject.
The term appears only once in the New Testament, making its usage distinct within the biblical text. Its singular occurrence in Luke underscores the dramatic nature of Jesus’ ministry, where large groups frequently sought to be near Him. The word serves as a literary marker for these moments of intense public engagement, illustrating the physical proximity between the teacher and his audience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When crowds press in close, it can feel overwhelming or exhausting. The Greek word epathroizomai captures this physical reality: people gathering tightly around a central figure. In Luke, Jesus encounters such a dense crowd seeking His attention. This image reminds us that our desire to be near Christ is natural and significant.
Yet the scene also carries a warning. A crowd may gather for spectacle or signs rather than true understanding. We are invited to consider why we seek Him. Is it for convenience, or for the truth He offers? Being close to Jesus means listening carefully to His words, not just witnessing the miracles.
This word highlights the intensity of faith in action. It challenges us to move beyond mere presence to genuine engagement. May we find peace in His presence, even when the world presses in around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being pressed around together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπαθροιζομένων1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 11:29
When the multitudes were gathering together to him, he began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks after a sign. No sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical pressure of a multitude gathering toward Jesus, setting the stage for His teaching on true spiritual signs.