Divine Providence: συστρέφω (Strong’s G4962: sustrephó) Reveals God’s Protection

Strong’s G4962: From sun (with) and strephó (to turn), συστρέφω describes the action of gathering or rolling together, as seen in Paul’s gathering of sticks in Acts. The word illustrates how seemingly ordinary actions can become moments of divine significance.

U- Unveiling the Word

συστρέφω combines the concept of “together” (σύν) with “turning” (στρέφω) to describe the action of gathering or collecting things together. In Acts 28:3, it appears in the context of Paul gathering firewood, a seemingly mundane task that became an opportunity for God to display His protective power. The early church saw in this word a picture of how God can use ordinary activities to demonstrate extraordinary grace. Today, it reminds us that even simple acts of service can become platforms for displaying God’s glory and protection.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συστρέφω, sustrephó, /sü-stre’-fō/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-STREH-foh” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• στρέφω (strephó) – verb meaning “to turn”
• -ω (-ó) – first person singular present active indicative ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To gather together
• To collect by rolling up
• To wind or roll together

For compound words:
σύν (together) combines with στρέφω (to turn) to express the action of bringing things together through turning or rolling motion.

Translation Options:

• “To gather together” – Best captures the collecting aspect
• “To bundle up” – Emphasizes the combining of items
• “To roll together” – Highlights the turning motion involved

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στρέφω (strephó) /stre’-fō/ – to turn – See G4762
• συνάγω (synagó) /sü-nä’-gō/ – to gather together – See G4863
• συλλέγω (syllegó) /sül-le’-gō/ – to collect – See G4816

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συστρέφω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective, Perfective

For example:

• συστρέφω – Present active indicative (I gather together)
• συστρέψας – Aorist active participle (having gathered)
• συστραφείς – Aorist passive participle (being gathered)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its basic meaning of gathering or collecting. Thayer’s notes its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. LSJ documents its classical usage for rolling things together. Vine’s connects it to purposeful gathering. Strong’s highlights the completeness of the gathering action. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in everyday activities.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 28:3: “Paul gathered [συστρέφω] a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συστρέφω shows how God can use ordinary actions to display His extraordinary power. Through Paul’s simple act of gathering sticks, we see God’s protection and providence. This word proclaims that in the Kingdom of God, no act of service is too small to become a testimony of His grace and power.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in military contexts for gathering troops
• Ancient medical writers used it to describe binding wounds
• The same word describes both Paul’s gathering of sticks and the viper’s coiling motion

Strong’s G4962: From sun (with) and strephó (to turn), συστρέφω describes the action of gathering or rolling together, as seen in Paul’s gathering of sticks in Acts. The word illustrates how seemingly ordinary actions can become moments of divine significance.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gathering, divine protection, ordinary service, Paul’s ministry, providence, Malta miracle, Acts 28, simple tasks, God’s power, spiritual lessons​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​