συνθλάω

I break, break in pieces

Definition

The verb συνθλάω means to break or crush something completely, often with a sense of violent, total destruction. It carries the connotation of shattering an object into many pieces, rendering it useless. In its two New Testament occurrences, both in the context of Jesus's parables, it describes the fate of those who fall on the 'stone' (Jesus himself) or on whom the stone falls, resulting in being utterly broken and scattered (Matthew 21:44, Luke 20:18). The imagery is one of decisive and catastrophic judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in parallel passages in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:44 and Luke 20:18). It appears within Jesus's parable of the wicked tenants, specifically in the concluding warning about the 'stone that the builders rejected.' In both instances, it vividly describes the total destruction of those who oppose God's cornerstone. The usage is exclusively metaphorical and eschatological, depicting divine judgment.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' combined with the verb θλάω (thlaō), meaning 'to break' or 'to crush.' The compound form intensifies the meaning to 'break together' or 'shatter completely,' emphasizing a thorough, collective breaking. It shares a root with words like συντρίβω (syntribō, G4937), also meaning 'to break' or 'to crush.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it paints a powerful picture of divine judgment against unbelief and opposition to God's chosen Messiah. In Matthew 21:44 and Luke 20:18, it underscores the seriousness of rejecting Jesus, the cornerstone. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the finality and totality of the judgment depicted—it is not a minor setback but a complete and irreversible shattering. This reinforces doctrines of Christ's authority and the consequences of rebellion.

In the first-century context, the imagery of a falling stone shattering someone would have been understood as a catastrophic, inescapable event. Stoning was also a form of execution. The metaphor draws on Old Testament imagery (e.g., Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14-15) familiar to Jesus's audience, where a stone represents God's kingdom and judgment. The concept of being 'scattered like dust' (Matthew 21:44) amplifies the sense of total humiliation and defeat.

συντρίβω (syntribō, G4937) — Also means to break or crush, often used for breaking bones or crushing spirits; can have a broader range of metaphorical uses. θλάω (thlaō, G2340) — The simpler root verb meaning to break or crush, without the intensive 'together' prefix.

Word Details

Scripture References