Dictionary of Biblical Words:
This word is generally translated “church,” and may include any concourse of people, as in Acts 19:41, and vil. 38; but usually refers to a particular assembly, called the ASSEMBLY OF GOD. This assembly Christ spoke of building (Matt. 16:18), showing it was then still future. It is called His body (Eph. 1:22-3), and all Christians are said to be baptized into it by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). This first took place in Acts 1, at the close of which chapter we first find the ASSEMBLY spoken of as existing in the earth. It then consisted of Jews only, but very soon included Gentiles (Acts 10:44). The truth about the ASSEMBLY was in grace specially revealed to Paul (who was its chief persecutor). It is largely spoken of in 1 Cor. and Eph.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Besides the use of this word for any collecting together, “as the assembly of the wicked,” it has a special reference in the Old Testament to the children of Israel as “the assembly,” whether they were collected together or not. Several Hebrew words are used, some implying “an appointed meeting,” others a “calling together.” “The whole assembly of the congregation” were to eat the passover (Ex. 12:6), though each family ate it in its own house. They accused Moses of having brought them into the wilderness to kill the “whole assembly with hunger,” (Ex. 16:3); so in many places. When they were especially called together to the feasts it is often called a SOLEMN ASSEMBLY, as in Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35; Deuteronomy 16:8; 2 Kings 10:20; 2 Chronicles 7:9; Nehemiah 8:18.
In the New Testament the word is also used for any gathering of people, as at the tumult in Ephesus (Acts 19:32,39,41). In James 2:2 The word “assembly” is really the synagogue, or place of meeting. In Hebrews 12:23 the words “GENERAL ASSEMBLY” should be joined to Hebrews 12:22, reading “and to the innumerable company of angels, the general assembly:” the word “and” dividing the subjects. The Greek word used in Acts 19:32 is ἑκκλησἰα, and this often occurs in the New Testament where it is translated “church.” It signifies “called out,” and the church is a people called out by God to Himself from the mass of mankind. The church may more accurately be designated by the word “assembly.” See CHURCH.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
’acuppah
Meaning:
fem of 624.; a collection of (learned) men (only in the plural)