Brief Overview of συνέχω (Strong’s G4912: synechō)

Strong’s G4912: A compound verb combining σύν (together) and ἔχω (to hold), meaning to hold together, constrain, or press. In NT usage, describes various forms of constraint or pressure, from physical illness to spiritual compulsion, emphasizing the power of what holds or compels.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνέχω represents a powerful concept of being held, constrained, or compelled. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together) with ἔχω (to hold), creating a term that describes various forms of constraint or pressure. In its New Testament usage, beginning in Matthew 4:24, it describes people being held by diseases, but extends to spiritual compulsion as in Paul being “compelled by the Spirit” (Acts 18:5). The early church understood this term as expressing both external constraints and internal spiritual compulsion. Today, this word continues to illuminate our understanding of both affliction and divine motivation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνέχω, synechō, /sün-ekh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-EKH-oh (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἔχω (echō): verb meaning “to hold”
• The combination creates the meaning “to hold together” or “constrain”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To hold together
2. To constrain/compress
3. To afflict/distress
4. To compel/urge

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes completeness of constraint
• ἔχω (echō): Provides core meaning of holding/having

Translation Options:

1. “Hold fast” – Best captures physical constraint
2. “Compel” – Emphasizes internal motivation
3. “Press upon” – Highlights pressure aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατέχω (katechō, /kat-ekh’-o/) – See G2722: To hold down/back
• περιέχω (periechō, /per-ee-ekh’-o/) – See G4023: To encompass
• κρατέω (krateō, /krat-eh’-o/) – See G2902: To seize/hold

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνέχω (I constrain)
• Present Passive: συνέχομαι (I am constrained)
• Aorist Active: συνέσχον (I constrained)
• Cross-references: συνοχή (synochē) – related noun meaning “distress”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range from physical constraint to spiritual compulsion. Thayer’s notes its use for both external and internal pressure. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various types of constraint. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical applications. Strong’s connects it to holding together completely. Moulton and Milligan document its use in medical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken [συνέχω] with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.” Matthew 4:24

Additional References:
Luke 8:37, Luke 12:50, Acts 18:5, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Philippians 1:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνέχω reminds us that the good news of King Jesus both constrains and compels. Just as Paul was compelled by the Messiah’s love, believers today are both held by divine power and motivated by divine love. This word teaches us about the transformative power of being held in God’s grasp while being compelled by His love.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient medical texts for symptoms gripping patients
2. Applied in military contexts for strategic containment
3. Early church used it to describe spiritual motivation

Strong’s G4912: A compound verb expressing holding together or constraining. In NT usage, ranges from physical affliction to spiritual compulsion, demonstrating both external constraint and internal motivation by divine power.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: constraint, compulsion, affliction, motivation, pressure, holding, spiritual urgency, divine compulsion, restraint, affliction​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​