συστρέφω

I roll or gather together

Definition

The verb συστρέφω (systrephō) literally means 'to roll or gather together,' often implying a forceful or deliberate collection into a unified mass. In its only New Testament occurrence (Acts 28:3), it describes a bundle of sticks being gathered for a fire. In broader Greek literature, it could also metaphorically describe people gathering or uniting, or even the twisting or rolling up of objects. While the biblical usage is physical, the underlying sense of consolidation or bringing disparate elements into close contact remains central.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:3. The context is narrative and practical: after Paul's shipwreck on Malta, he is gathering a bundle of sticks (φρυγάνων πλῆθος συστρέψαντος) to place on a fire. The usage is purely descriptive of a physical action with no extended metaphorical application in the biblical text.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the verb στρέφω (strephō, meaning 'to turn, twist, or roll'). The compound thus literally means 'to turn or roll together.' Its core idea is the act of causing separate items to converge or be united into one through a turning or gathering motion.

Semantic Range

In the context of Acts 28:3, gathering sticks was a basic, everyday task for fuel, especially in a rustic or survival situation. The action highlights Paul's humble participation in manual labor alongside the island's inhabitants, despite his apostolic status. There is no significant cultural gap in understanding this concrete action.

συνάγω (synagō, G4863) — a more general term for gathering or assembling people or things, without the specific connotation of 'rolling together.' ἐπισυνάγω (episynagō, G1996) — to gather together in addition or to collect, often used for gathering people.

Word Details

Scripture References