συγκαλέω (sugkaleō)
sugkaleō
to call together
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sugkaleō means to call people together into a single group. It appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke and Acts, describing moments when leaders or authorities gather individuals for a specific purpose. The word combines a prefix meaning "with" or "together" with a root meaning "to call," creating a clear image of assembly.
Its usage often involves someone in authority summoning others to themselves. For example, in Luke 9:1, Jesus calls the twelve disciples together before sending them out. In Acts 5:21, the temple authorities call the apostles together for questioning. The term can also describe gathering a larger crowd or group, such as when Herod’s soldiers assemble Jesus’ guards in Mark 15:16.
Translators typically render sugkaleō as "call together" or "assemble." This distinguishes it from other Greek words for calling that might imply invitation or personal appeal. Here the focus is on physical gathering and convergence, often under direction. The word highlights the act of bringing separate individuals into one place for a shared event or decision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sugkaleō paints a picture of intentional gathering. It is not a random meeting but a deliberate summoning where individuals converge for a specific purpose. In your daily life, this might reflect moments when you are brought into community with others—whether by family, workplace, or faith group—to share in a common experience or decision.
Consider how Jesus used this act in Luke 9:1. He called the twelve disciples together not just to give them instructions, but to empower them for mission. This suggests that being 'called together' is often about preparation and unity. When you feel gathered by others, it may be an invitation to participate in something larger than yourself.
Even in difficult contexts, like Pilate calling leaders together in Luke 23:13, the word highlights human attempts to manage situations through assembly. Yet, for believers, these gatherings can remind us that we are never truly alone. God often uses community to strengthen us, guide us, and send us out with purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having called together2×
- they called together1×
- they call together1×
- she calls together1×
- he calls together1×
- calling together1×
- Having called together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συγκαλεῖ2×
- συγκαλεσάμενος2×
- συνεκάλεσαν1×
- συγκαλέσασθαι1×
- συγκαλοῦσιν1×
- Συγκαλεσάμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:1
He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Jesus uses this gathering to empower the disciples for their mission, showing that being called together is often for a specific task.
-
Acts 5:21
When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and taught. But the high priest and those who were with him came and called the council together, with all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
The religious authorities summon the council and apostles, illustrating how this word describes official assemblies for judgment or inquiry.
-
Luke 15:6
When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
The shepherd calls friends and neighbors to rejoice, linking the act of gathering with shared celebration over restoration.