Sacred Preparation: συστέλλω (Strong’s G4958: sustelló) Reveals Reverent Care

Strong’s G4958: From sun (with) and stelló (to arrange), συστέλλω denotes the careful preparation and wrapping of a body for burial, as well as the broader concept of drawing together or contracting. In biblical usage, it carries connotations of reverent care and solemn preparation.

U- Unveiling the Word

συστέλλω carries deep significance in both practical and metaphorical contexts. In its primary meaning, it refers to the careful wrapping or preparation of a body for burial, reflecting ancient Jewish burial customs. The compound word combines the ideas of “together” (σύν) and “arranging” (στέλλω), creating a picture of careful, respectful handling. Beyond its funerary context, it also carries meanings of drawing together, contracting, or limiting. The early church saw in this word a reflection of how believers should handle sacred matters with reverence and care. Today, it reminds us of the dignity with which we should treat both the physical and spiritual aspects of our faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συστέλλω, sustelló, /sü-ste’-llō/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-STEHL-loh” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• στέλλω (stelló) – verb meaning “to arrange” or “to prepare”
• -ω (-ō) – first person singular present active indicative ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To wrap up together
• To prepare for burial
• To draw together, contract
• To limit, restrict

For compound words:
σύν (together) combines with στέλλω (to arrange) to express careful arrangement or preparation, particularly in funerary contexts, emphasizing thoroughness and reverence.

Translation Options:

• “To wrap carefully” – Emphasizes the physical act in burial contexts
• “To prepare reverently” – Captures the respectful handling aspect
• “To draw together” – Reflects the broader meaning of contraction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazó) /en-tä-fē-ä’-zō/ – to prepare for burial – See G1779
• περιστέλλω (peristelló) /pe-rē-ste’-llō/ – to wrap around, cover – See G4019
• στέλλω (stelló) /ste’-llō/ – to arrange, prepare – See G4724

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συστέλλω follows these patterns:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective, Perfective, Stative

For example:

• συστέλλω – Present active indicative (I wrap/prepare)
• συνέστειλα – Aorist active indicative (I wrapped/prepared)
• συνεσταλμένος – Perfect passive participle (having been wrapped/prepared)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in burial preparations and its metaphorical sense of limitation. Thayer’s highlights both the literal wrapping and figurative drawing together. LSJ notes its broader classical usage in contracting or limiting. Vine’s connects it to reverential handling of the dead. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness implied by the σύν prefix. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in both funeral and commercial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 5:6: “Then some young men came forward, wrapped up [συστέλλω] his body, and carried him out and buried him.”

Additional References:

• 1 Corinthians 7:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συστέλλω teaches us about handling sacred matters with reverence and care. It reminds us of how Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carefully prepared the Messiah’s body for burial, showing that even in death, our Lord was treated with dignity. This word proclaims that in the Kingdom of God, everything—from the practical to the spiritual—deserves careful and reverent attention.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in ancient medical texts for binding wounds
• In nautical contexts, it described the careful furling of sails
• Early Christians adapted this word to describe their careful handling of Scripture texts

Strong’s G4958: From sun (with) and stelló (to arrange), συστέλλω denotes the careful preparation and wrapping of a body for burial, as well as the broader concept of drawing together or contracting. In biblical usage, it carries connotations of reverent care and solemn preparation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: burial customs, preparation, reverence, wrapping, contraction, funeral practices, sacred handling, Jewish customs, early church practices, dignity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​