συντόμως

συντόμως

concisely, briefly

Definition

The adverb συντόμως means 'concisely,' 'briefly,' or 'in a few words.' It describes speech or communication that is succinct and to the point, avoiding unnecessary detail. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 24:4, it is used by the orator Tertullus to preface his accusation against Paul, asking the governor Felix for a brief and patient hearing. The word carries the sense of being 'cut short' or 'abridged,' emphasizing efficiency in presentation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 24:4. In this legal context, the speaker Tertullus uses it as a polite rhetorical device to request that the governor hear his case 'briefly,' framing his forthcoming speech as concise and respectful of the official's time. It appears in a formal setting of Roman judicial procedure, where brevity could be seen as a virtue.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective σύντομος (syntomos), meaning 'short' or 'concise.' It is a compound of the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the root from τέμνω (temnō), meaning 'to cut.' Thus, the literal sense is 'cut together' or 'cut short,' conveying the idea of something abridged or condensed for efficiency.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, its use in Acts 24:4 highlights the cultural and rhetorical conventions of the time. Understanding that Tertullus employs this adverb to appear respectful and efficient enriches the reading of the narrative, showing how language was used strategically in legal accusations. It reminds readers that even seemingly mundane words can add color to the historical and literary context of Scripture. In Greco-Roman rhetoric and legal proceedings, brevity was often valued as a sign of clarity and respect for a superior's time. Using συντόμως was a conventional way for a speaker to politely frame a speech as concise, whether it truly was or not. This differs from some modern contexts where exhaustive detail might be expected, highlighting the ancient emphasis on rhetorical decorum. βραχέως (bracheōs, G1024) — emphasizes shortness in extent or duration, often of time. ὀλίγος (oligos, G3641) — means 'few' or 'little,' focusing on small quantity rather than the concise manner of speech.

Word Details