συστέλλω
systéllō
G4958 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To draw together, contract, or shorten; to fold up or wrap together, especially with reference to drawing something together tightly or compactly. In certain contexts, specifically to wrap or enshroud (e.g., a corpse for burial). It can also mean to reduce, limit, or contract (e.g., an interval or period of time). In more general usage, it refers to bringing things together, causing to be concise or in a smaller space.
Semantic Range
to draw (something) together, contract, make brief, reduce (an interval), enshroud (especially a corpse), wrap up, curtail, fold up
Root / Etymology
Compound of σύν (with, together) and στέλλω (to set, send, arrange), thus 'to set together' or 'bring together.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, συστέλλω was used in various senses—primarily to mean 'to contract, reduce, or bring together.' In literary and medical texts, it could describe physical objects being drawn together, or a body being wrapped in a garment or shroud. In the Septuagint and New Testament contexts, it most notably refers to wrapping or enshrouding a corpse for burial (e.g., Mark 15:46). It may appear with the sense of 'making briefer,' as of shortening a discourse or interval. Standard English translations often focus on the funeral/customary wrapping sense, but system contraction, drawing together, or confining is also present in extra-biblical Koine. The word contrasts with διαστέλλω ('to set apart, separate'), highlighting the nuance of closeness, summary, or enveloping, as opposed to dispersion or separation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and στέλλω; to send (draw) together, i.e. enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial), contract (an interval):-- short, wind up.
Root Family
συστέλλω (systellō) — draw together, contract, fold up, wrap, curtail
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4958-01 |
συνεσταλμένος | sunestalmenos | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
has been shortened | having been drawn together | having been shortened | 1 |
G4958-02 |
συνέστειλαν | sunesteilan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
wrapped him | they drew together | they wrapped up | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4958-02 |
Acts 5:6 | συνέστειλαν | sunesteilan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
wrapped him | they drew together | they wrapped up |
G4958-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:29 | συνεσταλμένος | sunestalmenos | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
has been shortened | having been drawn together | having been shortened |