Strong’s G4938: A noun derived from συντρίβω (to break completely), meaning “destruction” or “brokenness.” Used in Romans to describe the devastating effects of sin, highlighting humanity’s need for divine restoration through the Messiah’s redemptive work.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύντριμμα embodies the profound reality of human brokenness and destruction. Derived from συντρίβω (to break completely), this noun captures both physical destruction and spiritual devastation. In Romans, Paul uses it to describe the path of those who reject God, illustrating sin’s destructive impact. The early church saw this word as a powerful description of humanity’s condition without God, making the gospel’s message of restoration even more significant. Today, it continues to illuminate our understanding of sin’s devastation and the Messiah’s healing power.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύντριμμα, syntrimma, soon-TRIM-mah
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soon’ as in ‘soon’, ‘trim’ as in ‘trim’, ‘mah’ as in ‘mama’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “thoroughly”
• τρίβω (tribō) – root verb meaning “to rub, wear down”
• -μα (-ma) – suffix forming nouns from verbs, indicating result of action
• The prefix σύν intensifies the concept
• The root τρίβω conveys wearing down or breaking
• The suffix -μα indicates the result of the breaking action

D – Defining Meanings

• Destruction
• Ruin
• Brokenness
• Devastation
• Shattering

For compound words:
σύν intensifies the concept of breaking from τρίβω, while the -μα suffix transforms it into a noun describing the result of thorough breaking or destruction.

Translation Options:

1. “Destruction” – Best captures the complete nature of the damage
2. “Ruin” – Emphasizes the lasting effects
3. “Brokenness” – Highlights both physical and spiritual aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θραῦσις (thrausis, THROW-sis) – breaking, destruction – See G2506
• ὄλεθρος (olethros, OH-leth-ros) – destruction, ruin – See G3639
• ἀπώλεια (apōleia, ap-OH-lei-ah) – destruction, waste – See G684

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σύντριμμα exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: σύντριμμα (destruction)
• Genitive singular: συντρίμματος (of destruction)
• Dative singular: συντρίμματι (to/for destruction)
• Accusative singular: σύντριμμα (destruction)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σύντριμμα’s use in contexts of complete destruction. Thayer’s notes its development from physical to spiritual destruction. LSJ documents extensive usage in tragedy and historical narratives. Vine’s connects it to total ruin. Strong’s highlights its derivation from συντρίβω. LEH traces its frequent use in the Septuagint for divine judgment. Moulton and Milligan find it common in descriptions of disaster.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
[Destruction] [σύντριμμα] and misery are in their ways. Romans 3:16

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύντριμμα powerfully illustrates humanity’s condition under sin while pointing to our need for the Messiah. Through this word, we see both the devastating effects of sin and the magnificent scope of Jesus’ redemptive work. It reminds us that where destruction reigns, His restoration brings hope and healing.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient medical texts to describe irreparable bone fractures
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe the state of the soul before conversion
3. It appears in archaeological texts describing destruction layers in ancient cities

Strong’s G4938: A noun derived from συντρίβω (to break completely), meaning “destruction” or “brokenness.” Used in Romans to describe the devastating effects of sin, highlighting humanity’s need for divine restoration through the Messiah’s redemptive work.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: destruction, brokenness, sin, restoration, redemption, judgment, healing, salvation, Paul, Romans​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​