Breaking Hearts: συνθρύπτω (Strong’s G4919: synthrupto) Reveals Sacrificial Love

Strong’s G4919: A compound verb combining σύν (with, thoroughly) and θρύπτω (to break), συνθρύπτω depicts emotional breaking or crushing of the heart. In Acts, it uniquely captures the deep emotional impact of sacrificial love and commitment to the Messiah’s mission.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνθρύπτω (synthrupto) powerfully expresses emotional breaking or crushing, particularly of the heart. This compound word emphasizes the thoroughness of the breaking action, suggesting complete emotional impact. In the New Testament, it appears only once in Acts, describing the emotional response of believers to Paul’s willingness to face persecution. The word bridges physical and emotional breaking, making it particularly poignant in expressing deep spiritual and emotional pain. Early church writers used this term to describe the breaking of heart that accompanies genuine spiritual conviction and sacrificial love. Today, it continues to resonate with believers who experience heart-breaking moments in their walk of faith and service to the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνθρύπτω, synthrupto, /sün-thrüp’-tō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-THROOP-toh (where ‘th’ is aspirated as in “thin”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, thoroughly”
• θρύπτω (thruptō) – root verb meaning “to break, crush”
• The combination emphasizes thorough emotional breaking

D – Defining Meanings

• To break in pieces emotionally
• To crush the heart
• To weaken through emotional pressure

For compound words:
The prefix σύν intensifies the action, while θρύπτω provides the core meaning of breaking. Together, they create a word expressing complete emotional breaking or crushing of the heart.

Translation Options:

• “to break the heart” – captures the emotional impact
• “to crush emotionally” – emphasizes the psychological effect
• “to weaken through breaking” – highlights the resulting vulnerability

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κλάω (klaō) /klah’-ō/ – to break, especially of bread
  See G2806
• θραύω (thrauō) /throw’-ō/ – to break, break in pieces
  See G2352
• συντρίβω (syntribō) /sün-tree’-bō/ – to break completely, shatter
  See G4937

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (Participle)
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word appears as a participle showing ongoing action:

• συνθρύπτοντες (breaking, crushing)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s emotional and psychological aspects. Thayer’s notes its unique usage in expressing heartbreak. LSJ provides examples of both literal and metaphorical breaking. Vine’s connects it to deep emotional distress. Strong’s highlights the intensifying effect of the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its rare but powerful usage in emotional contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 21:13: “Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking [συνθρύπτω] my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνθρύπτω powerfully illustrates the emotional cost of following Jesus, yet simultaneously reveals the depth of love that motivates such sacrifice. This word proclaims the good news that our broken hearts in service to the Messiah are not wasted but are transformed into testimonies of His love. It reminds us that emotional vulnerability in Christian service reflects Christ’s own sacrificial love.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνθρύπτω appears only once in the New Testament
2. It’s used exclusively in the context of Paul’s missionary journey
3. The word became associated with martyrdom in early Christian literature

Strong’s G4919: A compound verb combining σύν (with, thoroughly) and θρύπτω (to break), συνθρύπτω depicts emotional breaking or crushing of the heart. In Acts, it uniquely captures the deep emotional impact of sacrificial love and commitment to the Messiah’s mission.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: emotional pain, heartbreak, sacrifice, Paul’s ministry, martyrdom, love, commitment, missions, compound words, Greek verbs, spiritual devotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​