συνέρχομαι (sunerchomai)
sunerchomai
to assemble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunerchomai means to come together or assemble, describing a gathering of people into one place. It appears frequently in Acts and the Gospels to depict crowds converging for various purposes, such as Jesus’ family gathering at home (Mark 3:20) or believers meeting for communal meals and worship (1 Corinthians 11:20). The word emphasizes physical proximity and collective presence.
Its meaning extends beyond simple assembly. In Matthew 1:18, it refers to conjugal cohabitation, marking the union of Mary and Joseph. This specific usage highlights a deep, personal coming together that is distinct from public gatherings. The sources note this dual sense clearly, separating social meetings from intimate marital relations.
Etymologically, the word combines sun ("with") and erchomai ("to come"). In later texts, it also carries the sense of accompanying someone on a journey, as seen when disciples traveled with Paul (Acts 15:38). This range shows how the concept of moving together applies to both static gatherings and shared travel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunerchomai describes the simple act of coming together. It appears in Scripture to show people gathering for many reasons: crowds seeking healing, disciples traveling with Paul, or families meeting at home. This verb reminds us that faith is rarely a solitary journey. We are designed to move through life alongside others, sharing both the quiet moments and the loud gatherings.
When we look at how this word is used, we see it covers everything from public assemblies to intimate marital union. In Matthew 1:18, it marks the beginning of Joseph and Mary’s shared life. In Acts, it shows believers uniting for prayer and mission. These gatherings are not just about physical proximity; they are about shared purpose and presence.
Your own life likely holds many moments of coming together. Whether it is a small group study, a family dinner, or a community service project, these connections reflect the way God designed us to relate. You do not have to navigate your spiritual growth alone. The Bible encourages you to find your place in these gatherings, where support and encouragement naturally flow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- went with2×
- to assemble2×
- coming together2×
- you may come together.1×
- you may come together,1×
- you come together.1×
- were coming1×
- were accompanying1×
- together went1×
- to go with1×
- to come together1×
- they had assembled.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνελθεῖν4×
- συνῆλθον3×
- συνελθόντων3×
- συνῆλθεν2×
- συνερχομένων2×
- συνῆλθαν1×
- συνήρχοντο1×
- συνήρχετο1×
- συνέρχονται,1×
- συνέρχονται1×
- συνέρχησθε.1×
- συνέρχησθε,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
This verse uses the word to describe the intimate union of Mary and Joseph before their marriage was fully consummated.
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Acts 1:6
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
The disciples gather closely after the resurrection to ask Jesus a final question about the kingdom, showing their unity in seeking guidance.
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Mark 3:20
The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
Crowds converge so densely around Jesus that basic needs like eating are temporarily set aside for his presence.
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Acts 16:13
On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.
Women gather by a riverside for prayer, illustrating how this word applies to early Christian worship outside formal temples.