### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katágnymi**, represented by `{{G2608}}`, means to rend in pieces or crack apart, and is translated as **break**. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, with its use concentrated in key narrative moments. Its meaning encompasses both a literal, physical shattering and a figurative act of destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary use of `{{G2608}}` occurs in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. In John's Gospel, the Jews request that the legs `{{G4628}}` of those on the cross `{{G4716}}` be **broken** to hasten their deaths before the start of a high sabbath day `{{G4521}}` [[John 19:31]]. The soldiers then **brake** the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus [[John 19:32]]. However, upon seeing that Jesus was already dead, they did not **break** his legs [[John 19:33]]. A contrasting, metaphorical use appears in Matthew, where it is prophesied that the Messiah will not **break** a bruised reed [[Matthew 12:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide essential context for the use of `{{G2608}}`:
* `{{G4937}}` **syntríbō** (to crush completely... bruise): This word appears in direct connection with `{{G2608}}` in [[Matthew 12:20]], describing the "bruised" reed that will not be broken. It is also used in [[John 19:36]] to state the fulfilled prophecy, "A bone of him shall not be broken."
* `{{G4628}}` **skélos** (the leg): This is the specific body part that is the object of the action of `{{G2608}}` in the crucifixion narrative ([[John 19:31]], 32, 33).
* `{{G4716}}` **staurós** (cross): The act of breaking legs is situated within the context of Roman crucifixion, as the bodies were to be removed from the **cross** [[John 19:31]].
* `{{G4521}}` **sábbaton** (the Sabbath): The urgency to **break** the legs was motivated by the impending arrival of a special **sabbath day** [[John 19:31]].
* `{{G4570}}` **sbénnymi** (to extinguish): In [[Matthew 12:20]], this word is used in parallel with `{{G2608}}`, stating that just as a bruised reed will not be broken, smoking flax will not be **quenched**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2608}}` is demonstrated in its two distinct applications:
* **Messianic Character:** The statement that a bruised reed will not be **broken** `{{G2608}}` is a powerful metaphor for the gentle nature of the Messiah, who preserves and restores rather than destroys the weak and fragile [[Matthew 12:20]].
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The most significant use of the word is centered on the decision *not* to **break** Jesus' legs [[John 19:33]]. This specific inaction is shown to be a direct fulfillment of Scripture, as noted in [[John 19:36]], which states that a bone of him shall not be broken `{{G4937}}`.
* **The Sanctity of the Sabbath:** The request to **break** the legs highlights the importance of the **sabbath day** `{{G4521}}` in Jewish law, which prompted the desire to have the bodies removed from the cross before the holy day began [[John 19:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2608}}` **katágnymi** is a potent word that signifies a forceful **breaking**. While it is used literally to describe the brutal act of breaking a person's legs during a crucifixion, its most profound theological impact comes from its non-occurrence in the case of Jesus. This deliberate inaction fulfills prophecy and stands in stark contrast to its metaphorical use in Matthew, which illustrates Christ's gentleness. Thus, `{{G2608}}` plays a critical role in both defining Messianic character and marking a key moment of prophetic fulfillment at the cross.
TRV