συνάγω (sunagō)

sunagō

to assemble

G4863 · Greek · New Testament · 61 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 61 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb sunagō means to bring people or things together into a single group. Its core sense is gathering, whether it involves collecting scattered items like fish in a net or assembling crowds for a meeting. In the New Testament, this action often sets the stage for significant events, such as when religious leaders convene to discuss Jesus (John 11:47) or when large groups gather by the sea to hear teaching (Mark 4:1).

Beyond physical assembly, the word carries a distinct meaning of hospitality in later usage. It describes inviting someone into one’s home for food and shelter, as seen in Jesus’ parable where caring for strangers is equated with serving him (Matthew 25:35). This shift from mere collection to welcoming reflects a deeper social bond, turning a simple gathering into an act of shared life.

The word combines a prefix meaning "with" or "together" with a root meaning "to lead." This structure emphasizes the active role of bringing separate elements into unity. Translators often render it as "gather," "assemble," or "entertain," depending on whether the focus is on the crowd, the objects, or the host’s welcome.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word sunagō carries a simple but profound image: bringing scattered things or people into one place. It describes everything from fish caught in a net to crowds gathering by the sea. In Matthew 13:2, we see large multitudes drawn together to hear Jesus. This physical gathering points to a deeper spiritual reality where believers come together for teaching and fellowship.

Later in Scripture, the meaning expands beyond mere assembly to include hospitality. When Jesus speaks of taking in a stranger in Matthew 25:35, He uses this word to describe welcoming someone into your home. This shifts the focus from just being in the same room to actively caring for another person’s needs.

For your daily life, this reminds you that community is not accidental. Whether you are gathering with other believers or opening your door to a neighbor, these acts of connection reflect God’s desire for unity and care. It invites us to see every gathering as an opportunity to serve and be served.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 61 verses where it appears, by frequency.

were gathered together5×
having gathered together3×
gathering3×
are gathered together3×
were gathered2×
to gather together2×
having been gathered together2×
gathered together2×
do gather together2×
assembled2×
When were assembled2×
Were gathered together2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

συνήχθησαν7×
συνήχθη4×
συνήγαγον3×
συνάγων3×
συναγαγεῖν3×
συνάξω2×
συνάγουσιν2×
συνάγονται2×
συνάγει2×
συνηγάγετέ2×
συνηγμένων2×
συνηγμένοι2×

Key Verses

Matthew 13:2
Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.

This verse establishes the word's common use for large crowds assembling to hear Jesus teach, showing its role in facilitating public ministry.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”

Here the word describes intimate gatherings of believers, highlighting Christ's promise to be present when his people meet together.
Matthew 25:35
for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.

This occurrence shifts the meaning toward hospitality, linking the act of welcoming a stranger directly to serving Jesus himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sunagō mean in the New Testament?

Sunagō primarily means to gather or assemble people or things into one group. It is used for physical gatherings like crowds at a beach or fish in a net, but also for religious assemblies and acts of hospitality toward strangers.

How is sunagō different from other words for gathering?

Unlike words that simply mean to be together, sunagō emphasizes the active process of bringing scattered elements into unity. It often implies a purposeful collection, whether for teaching, judgment, or care.

Where does this word appear most significantly?

It appears frequently in the Gospels, notably in Matthew 18:20 regarding church gatherings and Matthew 25:35 regarding acts of mercy. These passages show its importance for both community life and practical love.

Every Occurrence (61 verses across 7 books)

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 2:4

Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.

Matthew 3:12

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into…

Matthew 6:26

See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds…

Matthew 12:30

“He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn’t gather with me, scatters.

Matthew 13:2

Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.

Matthew 13:30

Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel…

Matthew 13:47

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”

Matthew 22:10

Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…

Matthew 22:34

But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.

Matthew 22:41

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

Matthew 24:28

For wherever the carcass is, that is where the vultures gather together.

Matthew 25:24

“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you…

Matthew 25:26

“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where…

Matthew 25:32

Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the…

Matthew 25:35

for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.

Matthew 25:38

When did we see you as a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?

Matthew 25:43

I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit…

Matthew 26:3

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high…

Matthew 26:57

Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered…

Matthew 27:17

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or…

Matthew 27:27

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.

Matthew 27:62

Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered…

Matthew 28:12

When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,

Mark 5 verses

Luke 6 verses

John 8 verses

Acts 11 verses

I Corinthians 1 verse

Revelation of John 6 verses