Pressing Through Crowds: συνθλίβω (Strong’s G4918: synthlibo) Reveals Divine Touch

Strong’s G4918: A compound verb combining σύν (with, together) and θλίβω (to press), συνθλίβω describes intense crowding or pressing together from all sides. In the New Testament, it portrays the multitudes eagerly pressing around Jesus, highlighting both His popularity and accessibility.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνθλίβω (synthlibo) paints a vivid picture of crowds pressing together from all sides, creating intense pressure. This compound word emphasizes the completeness of the pressing action, suggesting a thorough compression from multiple directions. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in Mark’s Gospel, describing the crowds pressing around Jesus. The word captures both the physical reality of the crowds and the spiritual eagerness of people seeking the Messiah. Early church writers used this term to illustrate both the physical crowds around Jesus and metaphorically to describe the pressing spiritual needs of humanity. Today, it reminds us of the accessibility of Jesus despite the crowds and the ongoing human desire to draw near to Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνθλίβω, synthlibo, /sün-thlee’-bō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-THLEE-boh (where ‘th’ is aspirated as in “thin”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• θλίβω (thlibō) – root verb meaning “to press, compress”
• The combination emphasizes pressing together from all sides

D – Defining Meanings

• To press together
• To compress from all sides
• To crowd upon

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the notion of collective or complete action, while θλίβω provides the core meaning of pressing or compressing. Together, they create a word expressing intense crowding or pressing from all directions.

Translation Options:

• “to press on all sides” – emphasizes the complete nature of the pressure
• “to crowd together” – captures the collective action
• “to compress thoroughly” – highlights the intensity of the pressing

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θλίβω (thlibō) /thlee’-bō/ – to press (without the collective emphasis)
  See G2346
• πιέζω (piezō) /pee-ed’-zō/ – to press down, squeeze
  See G4085
• συνέχω (synechō) /sün-ekh’-ō/ – to hold together, constrain
  See G4912

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word appears in forms showing ongoing action:

• συνθλίβοντα (pressing together)
• συνέθλιβον (were pressing together)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s physical sense of pressing from all sides. Thayer’s notes its use in describing crowds. LSJ provides examples of both literal and metaphorical compression. Vine’s connects it to the eagerness of crowds seeking Jesus. Strong’s highlights the intensifying effect of the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its vivid descriptive power in crowd scenes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 5:24: “And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in [συνθλίβω] on Him.”

Additional References:
Mark 5:31

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνθλίβω beautifully captures the reality of crowds pressing toward Jesus, revealing both His magnetic appeal and His accessibility to all who seek Him. This word proclaims the good news that despite the crowds, Jesus remains touchable and approachable. It reminds us that even in our crowded, busy world, we can still press through to touch Him in faith.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνθλίβω appears only in Mark’s Gospel, known for its vivid, action-packed narrative style
2. The word is used in the context of one of Jesus’ most powerful healing miracles
3. Ancient medical writers used this term to describe compression of body tissues

Strong’s G4918: A compound verb combining σύν (with, together) and θλίβω (to press), συνθλίβω describes intense crowding or pressing together from all sides. In the New Testament, it portrays the multitudes eagerly pressing around Jesus, highlighting both His popularity and accessibility.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: crowds, pressure, healing, Jesus’ ministry, Mark’s Gospel, accessibility, faith, physical touch, compound words, Greek verbs, divine presence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​