Lexical Summary sumparaginomai: To come together, to be present with, to assemble with Original Word: συμπαραγίνομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance come together, stand with. From sun and paraginomai; to be present together, i.e. To convene; by implication, to appear in aid -- come together, stand with. see GREEK sun see GREEK paraginomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and paraginomai Definition to be present together NASB Translation came together (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4836: συμπαραγίνομαισυμπαραγίνομαι; (T WH συνπαραγίνομαι (cf. σύν, II. at the end)): 2 aorist middle συμπαρεγενομην; a. to come together: ἐπί τί, Luke 23:48 (Psalm 82:9 b. to come to one's help: τίνι, 2 Timothy 4:16 R G (others, παραγίνομαι, which see at the end.) Strong’s Greek 4836 depicts the act of arriving or being present together with others at an event of significance. Its lone New Testament appearance is Luke 23:48, where the gathered crowds respond to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Though the term occurs only once, its thematic weight is tied to corporate witness, collective responsibility, and shared response to divine revelation. Context in Luke 23:48 Luke portrays a large assembly drawn to Golgotha. “And all the crowds who had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts” (Luke 23:48). The verb translated “had gathered” (συμπαραγενόμενοι) underscores that these observers did not accidentally drift by; they converged with intent, forming a representative public audience to Jesus’ final earthly act of obedience. Their united presence supplies multiple layers of meaning: Theology of Gathered Witnesses Scripture frequently employs corporate gatherings to authenticate divine actions. Israel stood “together” at Sinai (Exodus 19:17), the disciples assembled at Pentecost (Acts 2:1), and multitudes will unite before the throne (Revelation 7:9). Luke 23:48 links this motif to redemptive climax: humanity, represented in the crowd, beholds the atoning sacrifice. Their shared reaction—smiting their breasts—reveals convicting power, echoing the tax collector’s posture in Luke 18:13. Thus the verb’s significance extends beyond logistics; it speaks to God’s design that conviction and repentance often emerge within community. Historical Significance Early Christian apologists cited the public nature of the crucifixion to rebut claims of fabrication. Tertullian argued that events “were done in the face of the entire people” (Apology, 21). The verb at Luke 23:48 supports this, anchoring the narrative in verifiable history. Moreover, by noting that the crowds “returned home,” Luke provides a conduit for the gospel’s spread; eyewitnesses carried the account into Judea and beyond, priming hearts for the resurrection message. Ministry Application 1. Corporate Accountability: Church gatherings still function as arenas where truth confronts hearts (Hebrews 10:24–25). Pastoral leaders can draw on Luke 23:48 to remind believers that communal worship is not spectator sport but shared engagement with the crucified and risen Christ. Related Biblical Concepts • Gathering to hear God’s Word: Nehemiah 8:1–6. Conclusion Though occurring only once, Strong’s Greek 4836 illuminates the purposeful convergence of people at decisive moments in salvation history. Luke leverages the term to testify that the cross was a public event, provoking a shared reckoning that set the stage for the gospel’s advance. Contemporary believers, likewise assembled around the Word and Table, participate in this ongoing account of communal encounter with the crucified King. |
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