Gentle Strength: συντρίβω (Strong’s G4937: syntribō) Shows Messiah’s Tender Grace

Strong’s G4937: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τρίβω (to rub, wear down), meaning “to break completely” or “crush.” In Matthew’s messianic prophecy, its negation reveals Jesus’ gentle treatment of the weak, highlighting divine compassion amid human brokenness.

U- Unveiling the Word

συντρίβω powerfully combines physical breaking with spiritual significance. As a compound word, it joins σύν (with, thoroughly) and τρίβω (to rub, wear down), creating an image of complete crushing or breaking. In Matthew’s Gospel, it appears in a prophetic context describing what the Messiah will not do – He won’t break a bruised reed, revealing His gentle nature toward the vulnerable. The early church saw this word as emblematic of both human brokenness and divine restoration. Today, it continues to remind us of Jesus’ tender approach to human fragility while also symbolizing His power to break the chains of sin.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συντρίβω, syntribō, soon-TREE-bo
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soon’ as in ‘soon’, ‘tree’ as in ‘tree’, ‘bo’ as in ‘bow’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “thoroughly”
• τρίβω (tribō) – root verb meaning “to rub, wear down”
• The prefix σύν intensifies the action
• The root τρίβω indicates grinding or wearing down through friction

D – Defining Meanings

• To break in pieces
• To crush completely
• To shatter
• To break down
• To wear out thoroughly

For compound words:
The prefix σύν intensifies τρίβω’s basic meaning of rubbing or wearing down, creating a word that emphasizes complete destruction or thorough breaking. The combination suggests intentional and complete action.

Translation Options:

1. “To break completely” – Best captures the thoroughness of the action
2. “To crush” – Emphasizes the destructive nature
3. “To shatter” – Highlights the complete nature of the breaking

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θραύω (thrauō, THROW-oh) – to break, break in pieces – See G2352
• κλάω (klaō, KLAW-oh) – to break, specifically of bread – See G2806
• θλίβω (thlibō, THLEE-bo) – to press, afflict – See G2346

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συντρίβω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word would morph in English as follows:

• Present: I break, you break, he/she/it breaks
• Past: I broke, you broke, he/she/it broke
• Perfect: I have broken, you have broken, he/she/it has broken

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συντρίβω’s range from physical breaking to metaphorical crushing. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of both destruction and discipline. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in military contexts. Vine’s connects it to complete destruction. Strong’s highlights the intensifying effect of the compound form. LEH traces its Septuagint usage in prophecy. Moulton and Milligan find it common in descriptions of physical damage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
A bruised reed shall he not [συντρίβω] break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. Matthew 12:20

Additional References:
Mark 5:4
Mark 14:3
Luke 9:39
John 19:36
Romans 16:20
Revelation 2:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συντρίβω powerfully illustrates the Messiah’s paradoxical strength – mighty enough to crush Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20), yet gentle enough not to break a bruised reed. This word reveals Jesus’ perfect balance of power and tenderness, showing how His strength serves to protect and restore rather than to destroy the vulnerable.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient medical texts to describe setting broken bones
2. Early Christian martyrdom accounts used it to describe physical persecution
3. It appears in ancient pottery contracts describing damaged merchandise

Strong’s G4937: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τρίβω (to rub, wear down), meaning “to break completely” or “crush.” In Matthew’s messianic prophecy, its negation reveals Jesus’ gentle treatment of the weak, highlighting divine compassion amid human brokenness.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: breaking, crushing, gentleness, mercy, Messiah, prophecy, restoration, power, compassion, victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​