Divine Decisiveness: συντέμνω (Strong’s G4932: suntemno) Reveals Swift Justice

Strong’s G4932: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τέμνω (to cut), συντέμνω expresses decisive cutting short or swift execution of divine purposes. In Romans, quoting Isaiah, it describes God’s decisive action in executing His word with righteous judgment and mercy.

U – Unveiling the Word

συντέμνω (suntemno) represents the concept of cutting short or executing swiftly and decisively. This compound word emphasizes thorough and complete cutting or shortening. In the New Testament, it appears only once in Romans, quoting from Isaiah, where it describes God’s decisive action in bringing His word to completion. Early church writers used this term to express God’s sovereign ability to accomplish His purposes swiftly and decisively. Today, it reminds us of God’s power to act decisively in history to accomplish His purposes of both judgment and salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συντέμνω, suntemno, /sün-tem’-nō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-TEM-no (where ‘tem’ sounds like in “temporary”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, thoroughly”
• τέμνω (temnō) – verb meaning “to cut”
• The combination emphasizes decisive cutting or shortening

D – Defining Meanings

• To cut short
• To execute swiftly
• To bring to swift completion

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds thoroughness to τέμνω’s action of cutting, creating a word expressing decisive and complete action.

Translation Options:

• “to cut short decisively” – emphasizes the finality
• “to execute swiftly” – highlights the speed of action
• “to accomplish concisely” – stresses efficient completion

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέμνω (temnō) /tem’-nō/ – to cut
  See G5114
• ἐκκόπτω (ekkoptō) /ek-kop’-tō/ – to cut out
  See G1581
• διακόπτω (diakoptō) /dee-ak-op’-tō/ – to cut through
  See G1282

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

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

The word appears in participial form:

• συντετμημένον (having been cut short)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the decisive nature of the action. Thayer’s notes its use in judgment contexts. LSJ provides examples of swift completion. Vine’s connects it to divine intervention. Strong’s highlights the thoroughness implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its use in contexts of divine action.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 9:28: “For the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly [συντέμνω].”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συντέμνω powerfully illustrates God’s ability to act decisively in history. This word proclaims the good news that God accomplishes His purposes with perfect timing and precision. It reminds us that while His justice is swift, His mercy is equally decisive, bringing salvation to those who trust in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. συντέμνω appears only once in the New Testament
2. It’s used in a quotation combining Isaiah 10:23 and 28:22
3. The word influenced early Christian understanding of divine intervention

Strong’s G4932: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τέμνω (to cut), συντέμνω expresses decisive cutting short or swift execution of divine purposes. In Romans, quoting Isaiah, it describes God’s decisive action in executing His word with righteous judgment and mercy.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: divine action, judgment, mercy, decisiveness, Romans, Isaiah, prophecy, compound words, Greek verbs, sovereignty, divine timing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​