Crushing Resistance: συνθλάω (Strong’s G4917: synthlao) Breaks All Opposition

Strong’s G4917: A compound verb combining σύν (thoroughly) and θλάω (to break), συνθλάω describes complete pulverization or crushing. In New Testament usage, it carries profound theological significance regarding divine judgment and the consequences of opposing God’s kingdom.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνθλάω (synthlao) represents a powerful image of complete destruction through crushing or breaking into pieces. As a compound word, it emphasizes thoroughness in the action of breaking. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God, specifically in the context of judgment. The word paints a vivid picture of the fate of those who oppose the Messiah while simultaneously highlighting His power and authority. Early church fathers often used this word to describe the spiritual victory of the Messiah over evil powers. Today, it serves as a sobering reminder of divine authority and the futility of opposing God’s kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνθλάω, synthlao, /sün-thla’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-THLAW-oh (where ‘th’ is aspirated as in “thin”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “thoroughly, completely”
• θλάω (thlaō) – root verb meaning “to break, crush”
• The combination intensifies the action of breaking/crushing

D – Defining Meanings

• To break in pieces completely
• To shatter thoroughly
• To pulverize or crush entirely

For compound words:
The prefix σύν intensifies the action, emphasizing completeness, while θλάω provides the core meaning of breaking or crushing. Together, they create a word expressing total destruction through crushing.

Translation Options:

• “to crush completely” – emphasizes the thoroughness of destruction
• “to pulverize” – captures the intensity of the action
• “to shatter utterly” – highlights the finality of the breaking

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θραύω (thrauō) /throw’-ō/ – to break, bruise (less intensive)
  See G2352
• συντρίβω (syntribō) /sün-tree’-bō/ – to break in pieces, crush
  See G4937
• θλίβω (thlibō) /thlee’-bō/ – to press, afflict
  See G2346

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Perfective

The word appears in both active and passive forms, showing either the action of crushing or being crushed:

• συνθλάσει (will crush)
• συνθλασθήσεται (will be crushed)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s violent and complete nature of destruction. Thayer’s notes its use in judgment contexts. LSJ provides examples from classical Greek showing its literal use in physical destruction. Vine’s connects it to divine judgment imagery. Strong’s highlights the intensifying effect of the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in contexts of complete destruction.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 21:44: “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter [συνθλάω] him like dust.”

Additional References:
Luke 20:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνθλάω powerfully illustrates the consequences of opposing God’s kingdom while simultaneously revealing the Messiah’s ultimate authority. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus has supreme power over all opposition, offering protection to those who submit to His authority while warning those who resist. It reminds us that His kingdom will prevail, crushing all opposing powers.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνθλάω appears only in passages relating to the “stone” metaphor for the Messiah
2. Ancient Greek medical writers used this term to describe complete bone fractures
3. The word appears in early Christian writings describing spiritual victory over demonic forces

Strong’s G4917: A compound verb combining σύν (thoroughly) and θλάω (to break), συνθλάω describes complete pulverization or crushing. In New Testament usage, it carries profound theological significance regarding divine judgment and the consequences of opposing God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: judgment, destruction, divine power, kingdom of God, Messiah, stone metaphor, compound words, Greek verbs, divine authority, opposition to God​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​