Brief Overview of συγκύπτω (Strong’s G4794: sugkupto)

Strong’s G4794: A compound verb meaning “to bend completely forward, to be bent together.” From σύν (with/completely) and κύπτω (to bend). Used in Luke’s Gospel to describe a woman’s physical condition of being bent double, symbolizing both physical affliction and spiritual bondage under Satan.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκύπτω describes a complete bending or doubling over, specifically used in the New Testament to describe the woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. The word carries both physical and spiritual significance, depicting not only her physical condition but also representing spiritual bondage from which the Messiah liberates. The early church saw in this word a powerful metaphor for how Satan can bind people both physically and spiritually. Today, it reminds us of the Messiah’s power to straighten what sin and Satan have bent.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκύπτω, sugkupto, /soong-koop’-to/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KOOP (as in “coop”) – toe
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, completely”
• κύπτω (kupto) meaning “to bend, stoop”
• Combined meaning: “to be completely bent together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be bent completely forward
• To be doubled over
• To be bowed together

For compound words:

• σύν intensifies the bending action
• κύπτω provides the basic motion of bending
• Combined emphasizes completeness of condition

Translation Options:

• “To be bent double” – Most precise physical description
• “To be bowed together” – Emphasizes the binding nature
• “To be completely bent” – Stresses the totality

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κύπτω (kupto) /koop’-to/ – to bend See G2955
• κάμπτω (kampto) /kamp’-to/ – to bow See G2578
• συγκάμπτω (sugkampto) /soong-kamp’-to/ – to bend together See G4781

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (Participle)
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Stative (Perfect)

Examples:

• Present Participle: συγκύπτουσα (being bent together)
• Perfect Active: συγκέκυφα (have been bent together)
• Present Active: συγκύπτω (I am bending together)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use describing severe physical disability. Thayer’s notes the completeness of the condition. LSJ traces its usage in medical texts. Vine’s highlights its singular New Testament usage. Strong’s connects it to complete bowing. LEH notes similar terms in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in medical documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 13:11: “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together [συγκύπτω], and could in no wise lift up herself.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκύπτω powerfully illustrates both physical and spiritual bondage, and the Messiah’s power to liberate from both. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus has authority to straighten what Satan has bent, bringing complete restoration to those bound by infirmity and spiritual oppression.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient medical texts describing spinal conditions
• It was used metaphorically for spiritual oppression in early church writings
• The same word described both temporary bending and permanent conditions

Strong’s G4794: A compound verb meaning “to bend completely forward, to be bent together.” From σύν (with/completely) and κύπτω (to bend). Used in Luke’s Gospel to describe a woman’s physical condition of being bent double, symbolizing both physical affliction and spiritual bondage under Satan.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: healing, infirmity, bondage, physical-affliction, spiritual-bondage, luke, jesus-miracles, deliverance, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, medical-conditions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​