συναντάω (sunantaō)
sunantaō
to meet
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunantaō means to meet or encounter someone, often by chance or design. In the New Testament, it appears six times, primarily in Luke and Acts, describing physical encounters between people. For instance, Jesus meets with his disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:15), and Peter is met by Cornelius’s messengers (Acts 10:25). The word emphasizes the act of coming together, whether in a literal sense or as part of a narrative sequence.
Its root combines sun ("with") and antaō ("to meet"), suggesting a mutual or reciprocal action. In Hebrews 7:1, it is used metaphorically to describe how Melchizedek "met" Abraham, highlighting a significant spiritual encounter rather than a casual greeting. This usage shows the word’s flexibility in conveying both physical and symbolic meetings.
Translators often render sunantaō as "meet," though context determines whether the meeting is intentional or coincidental. Its presence in Luke and Acts underscores its role in pivotal moments of divine interaction, where people cross paths in ways that shape their understanding of God’s purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word sunantaō describes the simple act of meeting someone, whether planned or unexpected. It appears in the New Testament to capture moments where paths cross, often leading to significant encounters with Jesus or pivotal shifts in ministry. These meetings are not merely social; they are opportunities for divine interaction that shape our understanding of God’s purposes.
In your daily life, you may find yourself in similar situations—unexpected conversations or chance encounters that carry deeper meaning. Just as the disciples met Jesus on the road to Emmaus, ordinary moments can become spaces where grace is revealed. This word reminds us that every meeting has potential for connection and growth.
Whether it is a formal introduction or a casual greeting, sunantaō highlights the value of presence. It invites you to see each person you meet as someone worthy of attention and care. In these small interactions, we reflect the heart of Christ who meets us where we are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having met2×
- will meet1×
- will happen1×
- met1×
- he met1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνήντησεν2×
- συναντήσας2×
- συναντήσοντά1×
- συναντήσει1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 10:25
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.
Cornelius meets Peter here, marking a crucial moment where the Gospel begins to extend beyond Jewish boundaries to Gentiles.
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Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
Melchizedek meets Abraham returning from battle, establishing a spiritual precedent for priesthood that foreshadows Christ's eternal role.