Divine Pressure: συνοχή (Strong’s G4928: sunoche) Reveals End-Time Distress

Strong’s G4928: A compound noun derived from σύν (with) and ἔχω (to hold), συνοχή describes intense pressure, constraint, or distress. In the New Testament, it appears in both apocalyptic contexts and personal anguish, highlighting the pressure that precedes divine deliverance.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνοχή (sunoche) portrays a state of being held together under pressure or constraint. This compound word conveys both physical and psychological constriction, capturing the experience of being hemmed in or distressed. In the New Testament, it appears in Luke’s apocalyptic discourse describing end-time distress and in Paul’s letters expressing spiritual anguish. Early church writers used this term to describe both persecution and internal spiritual struggles. Today, it helps us understand the pressures believers face while awaiting the Messiah’s return and reminds us that such distress often precedes divine intervention.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνοχή, sunoche, /sün-okh-ay’/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-oh-KHAY (where ‘kh’ is guttural as in “loch”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἔχω (echo) – verb meaning “to hold”
• The combination creates the concept of being held together under pressure

D – Defining Meanings

• Distress or anguish
• Constraint or pressure
• Constriction or narrowing

For compound words:
The prefix σύν intensifies the holding action of ἔχω, creating the image of being completely constrained or held together under pressure.

Translation Options:

• “intense distress” – emphasizes the emotional impact
• “constraining pressure” – highlights the physical sensation
• “crushing anxiety” – captures both physical and psychological aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θλῖψις (thlipsis) /thlip’-sis/ – tribulation, affliction
  See G2347
• στενοχωρία (stenochōria) /sten-okh-o-ree’-ah/ – extreme affliction
  See G4730
• ἀγωνία (agōnia) /ag-o-nee’-ah/ – agony, anguish
  See G74

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

The word appears in forms like:

• συνοχή (nominative) – distress
• συνοχῆς (genitive) – of distress
• συνοχῇ (dative) – in distress

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both psychological and physical aspects of distress. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of severe anxiety. LSJ provides examples of both literal constraint and metaphorical anguish. Vine’s connects it to intense pressure. Strong’s highlights the holding aspect of the root word. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its usage in descriptions of severe distress.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 21:25: “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress [συνοχή] of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 2:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνοχή powerfully illustrates the intense pressure believers may face while awaiting their Messiah’s return. This word proclaims the good news that such distress is temporary and often precedes divine deliverance. It reminds us that even in times of greatest pressure, God remains sovereign and faithful to His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνοχή appears only twice in the New Testament
2. It’s used in both apocalyptic and pastoral contexts
3. The word influenced early Christian descriptions of martyrdom experiences

Strong’s G4928: A compound noun derived from σύν (with) and ἔχω (to hold), συνοχή describes intense pressure, constraint, or distress. In the New Testament, it appears in both apocalyptic contexts and personal anguish, highlighting the pressure that precedes divine deliverance.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: distress, pressure, end times, apocalyptic, anguish, tribulation, Luke’s Gospel, Paul’s letters, compound words, Greek nouns, divine deliverance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​