Original Word: ἐπισυναγωγή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: episunagógé
Pronunciation: eh-pee-soo-nah-go-GAY
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay')
KJV: assembling (gathering) together
NASB: assembling together, gathering together
Word Origin: [from G1996 (ἐπισυνάγω - gather together)]

1. a complete gathering
2. (especially) a Christian meeting (reoccuring for worship)

assembling together.

From episunago; a complete collection; especially a Christian meeting (for worship) -- assembling (gathering) together.

see GREEK episunago

Cognate: 1997 episynagōgḗ – a specific (apt) "grouping together" that fulfills (builds on) the specific purpose of the gathering together (note the epi, "on"). See 1996 (episynágō).

Word Origin
from episunagó
Definition
a gathering together, an assembly
NASB Translation
assembling together (1), gathering together (1).

STRONGS NT 1997: ἐπισυναγωγή

ἐπισυναγωγή, ἐπισυναγωγῆς, ἡ (ἐπισυνάγω, which see);

a. a gathering together in one place, equivalent to τό ἐπισυνάγεσθαι (2 Macc. 2:7): ἐπί τινα, to one, 2 Thessalonians 2:1.

b. (the religious) assembly (of Christians): Hebrews 10:25.

Concept Overview

The term describes a purposeful congregating of believers under God’s initiative, whether in present fellowship or in the final consummation of redemption. It carries the idea of being brought together into one place or into one Person for mutual encouragement, worship, and ultimate salvation.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Hebrews 10:25 employs the word to urge Christians not to abandon “meeting together” but to persevere in fellowship as the Day approaches. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 links the same word to “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him,” anchoring the hope of the Church in the promised reunion with Christ.

Historical Jewish Background

Long before the synagogue system crystallized after the Exile, Israel was repeatedly called to assemble before the LORD at Sinai, in the wilderness, and in the festivals at Jerusalem. Those convocations prefigured a people defined not by geography but by covenant. By the first century, synagogue life had ingrained the rhythm of communal study and prayer, so the early Church naturally understood itself as a new, Spirit-formed assembly fulfilling prophetic expectations of a restored, unified people (Isaiah 11:12; Ezekiel 37:21).

Eschatological Gathering

Paul’s use in 2 Thessalonians places the word within the broader hope of the parousia. The gathering will be personal (“to Him”), comprehensive (“we… gathered”), and climactic, marking the visible vindication of the saints. It echoes Jesus’ promise that He will “send out His angels… and they will gather His elect” (Matthew 24:31). Thus the present church meeting is both a rehearsal and a foretaste of the final assembly.

Corporate Worship and Perseverance

Hebrews 10:25 insists that ongoing, face-to-face fellowship is indispensable for endurance. Mutual exhortation, confession, and the shared hearing of the Word guard believers against drifting (Hebrews 3:13). Neglecting assembly is therefore not a neutral preference but a spiritual hazard that overlooks God’s appointed means of grace.

Unity of the Church

The word underscores the Church’s essential oneness. Whether Gentile or Jew, near or far, every believer is gathered by the same Lord into one body (Ephesians 2:14-18). This unity transcends ethnicity, social status, and geography, anticipating the heavenly multitude in Revelation 7:9.

Pastoral and Missional Implications

1. Shepherds are to foster gatherings marked by Word, sacrament, and love, reflecting God’s design for edification.
2. Believers should prioritize presence, understanding that attendance is more than personal enrichment; it is a ministry to others.
3. Evangelism gains credibility when the local assembly displays the reconciling power of the gospel in tangible community.

Summary

The word translated “meeting together” or “gathering” spans present duty and future hope. It summons Christians to steadfast, mutual fellowship while orienting their hearts to the promised day when Christ Himself will gather all His redeemed into everlasting joy.

επισυναγωγην επισυναγωγήν ἐπισυναγωγὴν επισυναγωγης επισυναγωγής ἐπισυναγωγῆς επισυνεσταμένη επισυνέστησεν επισυστάντες επισυστάσης επισυστήση επισυστήσονται επισυστήτε επισυστώμεν episunagogen episunagōgēn episunagoges episunagōgēs episynagogen episynagogḕn episynagōgēn episynagōgḕn episynagoges episynagogês episynagōgēs episynagōgē̂sInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts