ἀθροίζω (athroizō)
athroizō
to gather
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb athroizō means to bring people together into a group or crowd. It describes the physical act of gathering, often with a sense of urgency or suddenness. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 24:33, where the disciples on the road to Emmaus return to Jerusalem and find the eleven apostles and their companions assembled there.
The word is related to thrios, which refers to a noise or tumult. This connection suggests that the gathering was not quiet or orderly, but lively and perhaps noisy. The sources note that in the Septuagint, this Greek word is often used for the Hebrew qabats, meaning to gather a congregation. Its single New Testament usage highlights the communal nature of the early believers, who quickly came together after significant events.
Translators typically render athroizō as "gathered" or "assembled." The focus is on the result: a group formed from individuals. It does not imply a formal meeting with an agenda, but rather a spontaneous coming together of people who share a common experience or purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word athroizō captures the sudden, lively gathering of believers after a moment of clarity or crisis. In Luke 24:33, the disciples on the road to Emmaus do not linger in private reflection; they return immediately to Jerusalem to join the eleven and others who were already assembled. This spontaneous coming together highlights the early church’s instinct for community.
For your faith, this reminds us that spiritual encounters are rarely meant to be kept secret. When God opens our eyes to truth, we naturally seek the company of other believers. The gathering was not a formal meeting with an agenda, but a shared moment of joy and witness. It shows that our individual experiences find their fullest meaning when shared with the body of Christ.
This simple act of coming together strengthens our resolve and deepens our understanding. It is a reminder that we are not meant to walk this path alone. The warmth and energy of those early believers invite us to do the same, finding encouragement in the presence of fellow Christians who share in the same hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gathered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠθροισμένους1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 24:33
They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them,
This verse uses athroizō to describe the disciples' immediate return to Jerusalem, showing how a personal encounter with the risen Christ naturally leads to communal fellowship and shared witness.