συνάντησις denotes a face-to-face meeting, usually one that is intentional or anticipated. The compound nuance (with, toward) stresses mutual movement and convergence rather than a chance passing. In Scripture the idea embraces everything from friendly greetings to decisive confrontations and, supremely, the appointed encounter between God and His people.

Old Testament Greek Usage (Septuagint)

Although rare, the noun surfaces in strategic scenes: Jacob and Esau’s reconciliation (Genesis 33:4 LXX), Israel’s clashes with hostile armies (Numbers 21:1 LXX), and prophetic summonses such as “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12 LXX). Each occurrence highlights an intersection carrying covenantal weight—either blessing through communion or judgment through resistance.

Absence in the Greek New Testament and the Role of Cognates

The New Testament chooses the cognate verb συνάνταω (e.g., Luke 8:27; Acts 10:25) and the closely related nouns ἀπάντησις (Matthew 25:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:17) and ὑπάντησις (John 12:13) to express meetings with Christ. The silence of συνάντησις itself is therefore literary, not theological; the concept remains vibrant through its family of words.

Divine-Human Encounters

Scripture consistently frames true worship as an appointed meeting initiated by God. At Sinai the Lord calls Israel to a rendezvous (Exodus 19:17). The tabernacle is “the Tent of Meeting,” underscoring that redemption culminates in relational presence. Prophets warn of a coming meeting in judgment (Isaiah 47:3), while wisdom literature records the blessing of those who seek an audience with the Almighty (Proverbs 8:17).

Christological Fulfillment

In Jesus Christ every prior “meeting” motif converges. He is the One who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), turning fearful encounters with holiness into reconciled fellowship. The Gospels repeatedly stress people going out to meet Him—lepers, rulers, and multitudes—illustrating the invitation inherent in His incarnation.

Eschatological Horizon

The climactic συνάντησις lies ahead: “And so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Though ἀπάντησις is the term used, the theology is identical—believers drawn up for a personal audience at Christ’s return. Until then corporate worship foreshadows that day, functioning as a continual rehearsal for the ultimate meeting.

Practical Ministry Implications

1. Evangelism: Expect Spirit-orchestrated encounters (Acts 8:29). Believers become catalysts for divine appointments.
2. Pastoral Care: Encourage congregants to regard trials as occasions to meet God’s sanctifying grace (James 1:2-4).
3. Worship Planning: Shape services as intentional gatherings with the risen Christ, fostering reverence and expectancy (Hebrews 10:25).

Homiletical Trajectories

• “From Dread to Delight”—tracing meetings with God from Sinai trembling to Emmaus joy.
• “Divine Appointments in Daily Life”—exploring providential encounters like Philip and the Ethiopian.
• “The Final Meeting”—preparing the church for the parousia through holy living (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Related Terms for Further Study

συναντάω (Strong’s 4876) – to meet; ἀπάντησις (529) – meeting on a way; ὑπάντησις (5222) – a going to meet. Together they form a lexicon of encounter that enriches understanding of God’s initiative and human response throughout redemptive history.

Summary

συνάντησις, though absent in the New Testament text, embodies a scriptural pattern: God arranges meetings that reveal His character, advance His purposes, and summon decisive human response. Every believer is called into this rhythm—saved by a past encounter with Christ, sustained by present fellowship, and aimed toward a future face-to-face consummation.