συνάντησις
synántēsis
G4877
SILEX Entry
Definition
Meeting, encounter – denotes the act or event of coming together with someone, typically in a physical sense such as a meeting or encounter face-to-face. It can refer to a planned or coincidental gathering or meeting, particularly emphasizing a convergence of persons or groups.
Semantic Range
meeting, encounter, coming together, assembly, gathering for meeting, purposeful encounter, formal meeting
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb συναντάω (to meet, encounter) with the nominal suffix -σις indicating action or the result of an action. συναντ- is from σύν ('with') and ἀντάω ('to come against, encounter').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and later Koine Greek, συνάντησις is used to describe both formal and informal meetings, often carrying the nuance of an appointed or purposeful encounter rather than a casual or accidental meeting. In the Septuagint and New Testament contexts, the word can carry a solemn or significant overtone, such as meeting an important person or group, or a fateful encounter. English translations such as 'meeting' or 'encounter' generally capture its sense, though some renderings like 'meeting together' may obscure the potential gravity or formality conveyed in some contexts. The term is less common in classical literature but grows somewhat in usage in Hellenistic and Roman-era sources. Related nouns include ἀπάντησις ('meeting,' often with a nuance of going out to meet someone). The meaning of συνάντησις remains relatively stable across periods, with contextual variation concerning the formality and intent of the meeting. Notable in Acts 28:15, where it signifies the meeting of Paul with fellow followers outside Rome, conveying more than accidental arrival but a purposeful, even respectful, convergence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from συναντάω; a meeting with:--meet.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.