English · KJV
G4794

συγκύπτω

synkýptō /soong-koop'-to/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom σύν and κύπτω
Meaningto stoop altogether, i.e. be completely overcome by
KJV usagebow together.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of synkýptō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word synkýptō, represented by G4794, describes being completely overcome or to bow together. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its definition, derived from σύν and κύπτω, means to stoop altogether, illustrating a state of total physical debilitation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of G4794 is found in the account of a woman who had suffered from a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years Luke 13:11. The text states she was bowed together and could in no wise lift up herself, highlighting the severity and totality of her condition. This specific application illustrates a physical state of being completely bent over and unable to stand straight, a direct result of her long-suffering malady.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from the passage illuminate the state of being bowed together:

  • G769 asthéneia (infirmity): This word denotes feebleness or malady. It describes the source of the woman's condition, a "spirit of infirmity" that she had for eighteen years Luke 13:11.
  • G1410 dýnamai (could): This term relates to ability or power. Its use in the negative highlights the woman's complete powerlessness, as she could not lift herself up Luke 13:11.
  • G352 anakýptō (lift up): As the direct opposite of being bowed over, this word means to unbend or rise. The woman's inability to lift up herself emphasizes the totality of her condition described by G4794.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4794 comes from its vivid portrayal of human suffering and bondage.

  • A Picture of Bondage: The state of being bowed together serves as a powerful physical metaphor for bondage. The narrative links her condition to Satan having bound her for eighteen years Luke 13:16, making G4794 a depiction of the physical effects of spiritual oppression.
  • Complete Helplessness: This word encapsulates a state of utter helplessness. The woman was completely overcome by her ailment and could in no wise lift up herself Luke 13:11. This highlights a condition from which one cannot escape by their own power, pointing to the need for external, divine intervention.
  • The Weight of Infirmity: G4794 describes the physical manifestation of a "spirit of infirmity" G769 Luke 13:11. It shows how spiritual and physical realities can be intertwined, with a long-term malady physically weighing a person down and preventing them from standing upright.

Summary

In summary, G4794 synkýptō, while used only once, provides a uniquely vivid image of being completely overcome. It moves beyond a simple description of poor posture to signify total physical subjugation by a long-term infirmity. This term effectively captures the woman's profound state of helplessness and bondage, illustrating a condition so severe that she was utterly unable to stand straight on her own.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G769 ἀσθένεια from ἀσθενής; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:--disease, infirmity, sickness, wea G1410 δύναμαι of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power. G352 ἀνακύπτω from ἀνά (in the sense of reversal) and κύπτω; to unbend, i.e. rise; figuratively, be elated:--lift up, look up.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Luke — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.