from σύν and κύπτω; to stoop altogether, i.e. be completely overcome by:--bow together.
Transliteration:synkýptō
Pronunciation:soong-koop'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word συγκύπτω (synkýptō, `{{G4794}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb κύπτω (kyptō, `{{G2955}}`), meaning "to stoop" or "to bend down." The prefix σύν serves as an intensifier, indicating a complete or profound action. Therefore, the literal meaning of συγκύπτω is "to stoop completely," "to bend together," or "to be thoroughly bowed down." This suggests a state of being utterly bent over, not merely a slight inclination. The base definition "to stoop altogether, i.e. be completely overcome by" captures this intensified sense, implying a condition where one is overwhelmed or incapacitated by the stooping posture. It denotes a physical state so severe that it prevents one from standing upright or lifting oneself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word συγκύπτω (synkýptō, `{{G4794}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 13:11]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant: "And behold, there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up."
In this context, συγκύπτω describes the physical condition of a woman who has been afflicted for nearly two decades. The phrase "was bowed together" (ἦν συγκύπτουσα) paints a vivid picture of her chronic and debilitating stoop. The participle συγκύπτουσα emphasizes the continuous nature of her affliction. The subsequent clause, "and could in no wise lift herself up" (καὶ μὴ δυναμένη ἀνακῦψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές), further clarifies the severity of her condition, underscoring her utter inability to straighten her body. This is not a temporary posture but a fixed, incapacitating state. The text attributes her condition to a "spirit of infirmity" (πνεῦμα ἀσθενείας), immediately linking her physical ailment to a spiritual cause, later identified by Jesus as Satan's binding ([[Luke 13:16]]). Thus, συγκύπτω here describes a physical manifestation of spiritual oppression, a profound and enduring state of being overcome.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate συγκύπτω (synkýptō, `{{G4794}}`), it is helpful to examine related terms:
* **κύπτω (kyptō, `{{G2955}}`):** This is the root verb, meaning "to stoop" or "to bend down." While κύπτω can describe a simple act of bending (e.g., [[John 8:6]], Jesus stooping to write on the ground), συγκύπτω with its σύν prefix denotes a far more severe, complete, and debilitating stoop, often implying a state of being permanently bent.
* **ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`):** Meaning "weakness" or "infirmity," this noun is used in [[Luke 13:11]] to describe the "spirit of infirmity" afflicting the woman. συγκύπτω is the physical manifestation of this underlying weakness or disease.
* **δεσμός (desmos, `{{G1199}}`):** Meaning "bond" or "chain," this word appears in [[Luke 13:16]] where Jesus refers to the woman as one "whom Satan has bound" (ἔδησεν ὁ Σατανᾶς). The physical συγκύπτω posture is directly linked to this spiritual bondage.
* **ἀνορθόω (anorthoō, `{{G461}}`):** Meaning "to make straight again" or "to restore," this verb is used in [[Luke 13:13]] when Jesus heals the woman, causing her to immediately "straighten up" (ἀνορθώθη). This word stands in direct antithesis to συγκύπτω, representing the divine power that reverses the state of being bowed down.
These related words highlight the spectrum from affliction (ἀσθένεια, δεσμός) to its physical expression (συγκύπτω) and finally to divine restoration (ἀνορθόω).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of συγκύπτω (synkýptō, `{{G4794}}`) in [[Luke 13:11]] carries profound theological weight, primarily illustrating the oppressive nature of sin, sickness, and spiritual bondage, and the liberating power of Christ.
1. **The Reality of Oppression:** The woman's συγκύπτω state vividly portrays the debilitating effects of spiritual and physical brokenness. Her inability to straighten herself is a powerful metaphor for humanity's fallen condition, often weighed down by sin, suffering, and the influence of evil. For eighteen years, she was literally and figuratively "bowed together," unable to experience the full dignity and freedom of an upright human being.
2. **Satanic Agency:** Jesus' explanation in [[Luke 13:16]] ("And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?") directly links her συγκύπτω condition to Satan's work. This emphasizes that not all suffering is merely natural; some is directly attributable to malevolent spiritual forces seeking to diminish and enslave humanity.
3. **Christ's Liberating Power:** The healing of the woman demonstrates Jesus' authority over all forms of oppression, whether physical or spiritual. He does not merely alleviate symptoms but addresses the root cause, releasing her from the "spirit of infirmity" and the "bond" of Satan. His act of "straightening her up" (ἀνορθόω, `{{G461}}`) is a visible manifestation of the kingdom of God breaking into the realm of human suffering, bringing liberation and restoration.
4. **Sabbath Fulfillment:** The context of the Sabbath healing further amplifies the theological significance. Jesus' act of liberation on the Sabbath highlights that the Sabbath is a day for freedom and restoration, not for rigid legalism that binds rather than loosens. His compassion for the συγκύπτω woman transcends the Pharisees' narrow interpretation of the law, revealing God's primary concern for human well-being and deliverance.
### Summary
The Greek word συγκύπτω (synkýptō, `{{G4794}}`), meaning "to stoop completely" or "to be thoroughly bowed down," appears uniquely in [[Luke 13:11]] to describe the eighteen-year debilitating condition of a woman afflicted by a "spirit of infirmity." This compound word, intensifying the base verb κύπτω (to stoop), powerfully conveys a state of profound physical incapacitation, an inability to stand upright. Theologically, this singular occurrence serves as a potent symbol of human oppression—physical, spiritual, and demonic—and stands in stark contrast to the liberating and restorative power of Jesus Christ. Her συγκύπτω state, directly attributed to Satan's binding, is dramatically reversed by Jesus, who ἀνορθόω (straightens up) her, demonstrating His authority over all forms of bondage and His compassionate mission to bring freedom and wholeness to those weighed down by affliction.
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