### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4788 συγκλείω (synkleíō) is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb κλείω (kleíō), meaning "to shut" or "to close." The core meaning thus denotes "to shut together," "to enclose," or "to confine." This can be understood in both a literal, physical sense and a profound figurative, theological sense. In its literal application, it describes the act of physically enclosing something or someone. Figuratively, it expands to signify a state of being confined or subjected, often implying a comprehensive or universal inclusion within a particular condition, such as sin or disobedience. This semantic range is crucial for understanding its nuanced usage in the New Testament, moving from a concrete action to a spiritual or existential state of being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G4788 συγκλείω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its dual semantic range:
1. **[[Luke 5:6]]**: "And when they had done this, they *enclosed* (συνέκλεισαν) a great multitude of fish, and their nets were breaking." Here, the verb is used in its literal sense, describing the physical act of the disciples trapping or enclosing a large catch of fish within their nets. This vividly portrays the physical confinement implied by the root meaning.
2. **[[Galatians 3:22]]**: "But the Scripture *has confined* (συνέκλεισεν) all things under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." In this pivotal theological statement, the word shifts to a figurative sense. "Scripture" (or God through Scripture) is depicted as the agent that has "shut up" or "imprisoned" humanity under the dominion of sin. This is not a physical imprisonment but a spiritual and moral subjection. The purpose of this confinement is teleological: to demonstrate the universal need for salvation and to highlight that the only path to liberation is through faith in Christ, thereby revealing the inadequacy of the Law to justify.
3. **[[Romans 11:32]]**: "For God *has committed* (συνέκλεισεν) them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all." Similar to Galatians, this verse uses G4788 in a profound theological sense. God Himself is the agent who has "shut up" or "concluded" all (both Jews and Gentiles) in a state of disobedience. This divine act is not punitive but redemptive. The ultimate purpose is not condemnation but the demonstration of God's boundless mercy, which is extended universally because all stand equally in need of it, having been universally subjected to disobedience. This underscores God's sovereign plan of salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of G4788 συγκλείω is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms and theological concepts:
* **κλείω (kleíō - `{{G2808}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to shut" or "to close." Its occurrences often refer to literal shutting of doors or gates, but also figuratively to closing the kingdom of heaven or access to knowledge. G4788 builds upon this by adding the dimension of comprehensive enclosure.
* **σύν (syn - `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix "with" or "together." This prefix intensifies the sense of complete or universal inclusion. It's not merely shutting, but shutting *together* or *en masse*, emphasizing the collective nature of the state described.
* **Sin's Universal Dominion**: The concept of all humanity being "under sin" is a core Pauline doctrine (e.g., [[Romans 3:9]], [[Romans 3:23]]). G4788 powerfully articulates this state of universal subjection.
* **The Law's Function**: In Galatians, the Law's role is not to provide salvation but to reveal sin and confine humanity under its power, thus leading people to Christ (e.g., [[Galatians 3:24]]).
* **God's Sovereign Mercy**: In Romans, the "shutting up" by God serves as the divine prerequisite for the outpouring of universal mercy. This highlights God's strategic wisdom in orchestrating salvation history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4788 συγκλείω is profound, particularly within Pauline theology:
1. **Universal Condemnation and Need**: The word vividly portrays the universal plight of humanity. Both Jews and Gentiles, despite their distinct histories and covenants, are "shut up" or "concluded" under sin and disobedience. This establishes a level playing field, demonstrating that all are equally fallen and equally in need of divine intervention. It underscores the inadequacy of human effort, law-keeping, or ethnic privilege to secure salvation.
2. **The Law's Pedagogical Role**: In Galatians, G4788 emphasizes that the Law did not provide a means of escape from sin but rather served to highlight and confirm humanity's captivity. By "confining" all under sin, the Law acted as a guardian, leading people to recognize their desperate need for a deliverer, thereby pointing to Christ as the only solution.
3. **God's Redemptive Purpose**: Most significantly, G4788 reveals God's sovereign and merciful design. The divine act of "committing all to disobedience" (Romans 11:32) is not an act of arbitrary condemnation but a strategic move within God's overarching plan of salvation. By allowing humanity to experience the full extent of its own inability and sinfulness, God creates the necessary condition for the universal outpouring of His mercy through Christ. This demonstrates that God's ultimate intention is not to condemn but to save, and His wisdom orchestrates even human failure for redemptive ends. It underscores the depth and breadth of God's compassion, reaching out to all who are universally "shut up."
### Summary
G4788 συγκλείω (synkleíō) is a potent Greek verb whose meaning transitions from a literal "shutting together" or "enclosing" to a profound theological concept of universal subjection. While literally depicting the physical confinement of fish in [[Luke 5:6]], its true theological weight emerges in Paul's epistles. In [[Galatians 3:22]], it describes how Scripture (and by extension, the Law) "confined" all humanity under the power of sin, thereby revealing the pervasive nature of sin and the inability of human effort to overcome it. This confinement served to highlight the necessity of faith in Christ for liberation. In [[Romans 11:32]], it reveals God's sovereign act of "committing" both Jews and Gentiles to a state of disobedience, not for their ultimate condemnation, but as a divine strategy to extend His mercy universally. Thus, G4788 συγκλείω powerfully articulates the universal human condition of sin and the equally universal scope of God's redemptive grace, demonstrating His wise and merciful plan to bring salvation to all who are "shut up" in their need.
TRV