ἐπισυνάγω (episunagō)
episunagō
to gather
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb episunagō means to gather people or things together into a single place. It combines the prefix epi, suggesting addition or placement upon, with sunagō, which simply means to bring together. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts where Jesus describes gathering his followers or assembling crowds, such as when he speaks of sending angels to collect the elect from the four winds (Matthew 24:31). It is also used for the passive sense of people coming together, like the crowds gathering at Peter’s house in Mark 1:33.
While similar to other words for assembling, episunagō often carries a nuance of bringing individuals to an existing group or gathering them against someone. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for Hebrew terms meaning to collect or gather up, linking it to Old Testament themes of ingathering. For instance, Jesus uses it when lamenting over Jerusalem, wishing he could gather her children together as a hen gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37). This imagery highlights both protection and the act of drawing scattered elements into unity.
Translators typically render this word as "gather" or "gather together," reflecting its straightforward meaning without adding extra theological weight. Its usage in passages like Luke 13:34 emphasizes Jesus’ desire for inclusion and care, contrasting with rejection. By choosing this term, the Gospel writers underscore the intentional nature of God’s gathering work, whether it involves assembling believers or confronting opposition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word episunagō paints a picture of intentional gathering. It is not just people drifting into a room, but being brought together with purpose. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus uses this image to show His deep desire to protect and unite His people, comparing Himself to a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. This reveals a God who does not leave us scattered or alone, but actively seeks to bring us into safety and community.
When we face times of confusion or separation, this word reminds us that God is the one who gathers. Whether it is angels collecting the elect from the ends of the earth or crowds coming to Jesus, there is a divine order to how He brings people together. We can trust that our lives are not random accidents but part of His careful gathering work.
Even when we feel far from home or disconnected, this promise holds true. God’s gathering hand is steady and loving. It invites us to rest in the knowledge that we are known, valued, and brought into His care. This hope anchors our hearts against fear and isolation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will gather together1×
- will be gathered.1×
- when were gathering1×
- to gathered together1×
- to gather1×
- they will gather together1×
- gathers together1×
- gathered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπισυνάξουσιν1×
- ἐπισυνάξει1×
- ἐπισυνάξαι1×
- ἐπισυνάγει1×
- ἐπισυνηγμένη1×
- ἐπισυναχθήσονται.¶1×
- ἐπισυναχθεισῶν1×
- ἐπισυναγαγεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!
This verse shows the word used in a tender metaphor where Jesus expresses His personal desire to protect Jerusalem's children, highlighting God's longing for relationship rather than judgment.
-
Matthew 24:31
He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Here the term describes the eschatological gathering of the elect by angels, emphasizing God’s sovereign power to assemble His people from every corner of the earth at the end of the age.
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Mark 1:33
All the city was gathered together at the door.
This occurrence illustrates the word in a passive sense, showing how the natural response to Jesus’ ministry was for people to physically come together in one place to hear and be healed.