σύντριμμα (G4938) — Greek Lexicon

σύντριμμα

sýntrimma

G4938 noun

SILEX Entry

Root συντρίβ- to shatter, to break, to crush completely

Definition

A breaking into pieces, shattering, or crushing; in extension, a state or result of being broken, shattered, or ruined. Refers chiefly to a physical or metaphorical condition of devastation, destruction, or total ruin; can denote a fractured object, a condition of being crushed, or an experience of calamity.

Semantic Range

shattering, breaking into pieces, a broken fragment, crushing, destruction, ruin, collapse, devastation

Root / Etymology

From the verb συντρίβω (syntribō, 'to break, crush, shatter') with the suffix -μα denoting the result of an action. Thus, σύντριμμα is 'that which has been shattered' or 'a shattering.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σύντριμμα regularly describes physical shattering or being broken into pieces. In the Septuagint, it is used both for literal fracture (e.g., of bones or pottery) and for metaphorical destruction—the collapse of cities, kingdoms, or persons under judgment or catastrophe. The New Testament (Romans 3:16) uses it metaphorically for moral or existential ruin and devastation in the context of human behavior and the consequences thereof. Later Jewish and Christian translations often render the term as 'destruction' or 'ruin,' but these English terms may not fully reflect the nuance of a complete shattering or irreparable breakdown. The word is less common in secular Koine than its verb root, but when used, emphasizes the completeness and irreversibility of the breaking or ruin. Contrasts with more general terms for destruction (e.g., ἀπώλεια), which may not imply violent shattering.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from συντρίβω; concussion or utter fracture (properly, concretely), i.e. complete ruin:--destruction.

Root Family

σύντριμμα (syntrimma) — shattering, crushing, breaking into pieces, ruin, devastation

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G4938-01`	σύντριμμα	suntrimma	`N NOM N SG`		a shattering ruin	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G4938-01`	Romans 3:16	σύντριμμα	suntrimma	`N NOM N SG`		a shattering ruin

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