### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4781 (συγκάμπτω, *synkámptō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (*syn*), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb κάμπτω (*kámpō*, G2578), meaning "to bend" or "to bow." Literally, it signifies "to bend together" or "to cause to bow down completely." The prefix σύν intensifies the action, suggesting a thorough or complete bending, often implying a state of being completely bowed or humbled. Figuratively, as indicated by its usage, it denotes "to afflict," "to cause to stoop," or "to oppress," leading to a bowed or stooped posture indicative of a heavy burden, suffering, or subjection. It describes a state where one is unable to stand upright, either physically due to a burden or spiritually due to a profound affliction or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4781 occurs only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's epistle to the Romans: "Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever" [[Romans 11:10]]. This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of Psalm 69:23 (Psalm 69:24 in the Hebrew Masoretic Text), where David prays concerning his adversaries. Paul applies this ancient imprecation to the portion of Israel that has rejected Christ, describing a state of spiritual blindness and a perpetual posture of being "bent down" or "bowed." The imagery of "bending their backs" (or "bowing down their backs") evokes a picture of being burdened, oppressed, or perpetually stooped under a heavy weight. In this context, it signifies a spiritual and moral subjugation, a consequence of their unbelief, preventing them from perceiving God's truth in Christ. It is a state of being spiritually crippled, unable to stand upright in the freedom and uprightness offered by the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root verb κάμπτω (G2578) itself appears in the New Testament, notably in phrases like "every knee shall bow" ([[Romans 14:11]], [[Philippians 2:10]]), emphasizing voluntary submission or worship. The addition of σύν in G4781 (συγκάμπτω) shifts the nuance from voluntary submission to an imposed state of being "bent together" or afflicted. Related concepts include:
* **Affliction/Oppression:** The state of being weighed down by burdens, whether physical, emotional, or, in this context, spiritual.
* **Spiritual Blindness/Hardening:** Directly linked in [[Romans 11:10]], where the inability to see is paired with the posture of being bowed down, signifying a divine hardening of heart.
* **Divine Judgment/Consequence:** The "bending" is presented as a punitive outcome for rejecting God's revelation and grace.
* **Humiliation/Debasement:** Not necessarily through voluntary humility, but through a state of being brought low or rendered incapable of spiritual uprightness.
* **Yoke/Burden:** The imagery resonates with the idea of being under a heavy yoke, as opposed to the light yoke of Christ ([[Matthew 11:30]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G4781 in [[Romans 11:10]] carries profound theological weight within Paul's discourse on Israel's partial hardening. It underscores the severity of rejecting God's gracious offer of salvation through Christ. The "bending of their backs" is not merely a physical posture but a potent metaphor for a deep spiritual burden and a state of being under divine judgment. It signifies a loss of spiritual freedom and uprightness, a perpetual stooping under the weight of their unbelief and the Law, from which Christ offers liberation. This image serves as a stark warning about the consequences of spiritual obstinacy and highlights the sovereign hand of God in both hardening and salvation. Yet, Paul's broader argument in Romans 11 emphasizes that this "bending" is not final for all Israel, as a remnant is saved, and ultimately, "all Israel will be saved" ([[Romans 11:26]]), implying a future release from this state of spiritual burden and a restoration to spiritual uprightness.
### Summary
G4781 (συγκάμπτω, *synkámptō*) is a potent Greek verb, literally meaning "to bend together" and figuratively "to afflict" or "to cause to bow down." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 11:10]] is a direct quotation from the Septuagint, depicting a state of spiritual affliction and perpetual subjugation for those in Israel who have rejected Christ. The imagery of "bending their backs" powerfully conveys a condition of being weighed down by spiritual blindness and divine judgment, unable to stand upright in the freedom of the Gospel. This word thus encapsulates a severe consequence of unbelief, representing a profound state of spiritual burden and debasement, yet it is presented within Paul's larger narrative of God's enduring faithfulness and ultimate redemptive plan for Israel.
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