Lexical Summary epathroizó: To gather together, to assemble Original Word: ἐπαθροίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accumulateFrom epi and athroizo (to assemble); to accumulate -- gather thick together. see GREEK epi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and athroizó (to assemble) Definition to assemble besides NASB Translation increasing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1865: ἐπαθροίζωἐπαθροίζω: (present passive participle ἐπαθροιζόμενος); to gather together (to others already present): passive in Luke 11:29. (Plutarch, Anton. 44, 1.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Linguistic Overview Epathroizomai (Strong’s Greek 1865) depicts a swelling, self-motivated convergence of people into a tight mass. Luke employs the middle participle to picture a crowd that is not merely present but actively pressing in, intent on what it hopes to see or hear. Biblical Occurrence Luke 11:29 is the sole New Testament use: “As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, ‘This is a wicked generation. It seeks a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’” Contextual Significance in Luke 11:29 1. A watershed moment in Jesus’ Galilean ministry. The growing throng appears outwardly enthusiastic, yet Jesus discerns a deeper motive—demand for spectacle rather than genuine repentance. Theological Implications • Sign-seeking versus faith. Scripture consistently differentiates between faith that trusts God’s word (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3) and unbelief that clamors for further proof (Exodus 17:2; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25). Historical Background First-century Judea and Galilee were primed for messianic hope, stirred by political pressures and prophetic anticipation. Itinerant teachers often attracted large gatherings, yet Jesus’ miracles and authoritative teaching drew unusually dense masses (Matthew 4:25; Mark 3:7-9). The Gospel writers differentiate between genuine disciples and the fluctuating multitude, a distinction Luke sharpens by selecting a term that conveys almost crushing density. Related Concepts and Scriptures • Other verbs of gathering illustrate gradations of crowd behavior: sunerchomai (Mark 2:2), plethuno (Luke 12:1), paraginomai (Matthew 14:15). Applications for Ministry 1. Discern the heart, not the headcount. Numerical growth can mask spiritual poverty; faithful preaching must probe motives as Jesus did. Summary Epathroizomai records a pivotal surge of people around Jesus, capturing both the magnetic pull of His ministry and the danger of curiosity devoid of conversion. Its lone appearance in Luke 11:29 crystallizes a timeless lesson: crowds can press in physically while receding spiritually, and the true remedy is not additional spectacle but the gospel of the risen Christ. Forms and Transliterations επαθροιζομενων επαθροιζομένων ἐπαθροιζομένων epathroizomenon epathroizomenōn epathroizoménon epathroizoménōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 11:29 V-PPM/P-GMPGRK: δὲ ὄχλων ἐπαθροιζομένων ἤρξατο λέγειν NAS: As the crowds were increasing, He began KJV: when the people were gathered thick together, he began INT: moreover crowds being pressed around together he began to say |
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