The Greek word synthlíbō, represented by G4918, means to compress or crowd on all sides. Derived from σύν and θλίβω, its definition is to "throng." This specific term appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting a moment of intense physical pressure from a crowd.
Both uses of G4918 occur within a single narrative in the Gospel of Mark. As Jesus travels, a "much people" G3793 followed and thronged G4918 him Mark 5:24. The term powerfully conveys the physical force of the crowd pressing in. This is further emphasized when Jesus asks who touched him, and his disciples G3101 respond by pointing out the obvious physical reality: "Thou seest the multitude G3793 thronging G4918 thee" Mark 5:31. The word is used to establish a scene of overwhelming, chaotic closeness.
Several related words help frame the context in which synthlíbō is used:
- G3793 óchlos (a throng): This is the multitude or people doing the thronging. This term describes the large groups that often surrounded Jesus during his ministry, whom he called to himself along with his disciples Mark 8:34.
- G190 akolouthéō (to accompany): This word describes the action that led to the crowd's presence. The multitude first followed G190 Jesus before they thronged him Mark 5:24. This same word is used for the deeper call to discipleship Luke 9:23.
- G680 háptomai (to touch): This term provides the crucial contrast to the general action of thronging. The disciples see only the indiscriminate thronging G4918, but Jesus identifies a specific, purposeful touch G680 Mark 5:31.
The theological significance of G4918 is derived entirely from its narrative context, which establishes a key contrast.
- The Press of the Crowd: The word describes the physical, indiscriminate pressure of the multitude G3793 that surrounded Jesus Mark 5:24. This represents a general, and perhaps superficial, public interest in him.
- Distinguishing the Touch: The scene uses the thronging G4918 to create a backdrop against which a singular act of faith stands out. While an entire crowd was pressing against him, Jesus discerns a unique touch G680, demonstrating a profound difference between casual contact and intentional faith Mark 5:31.
- Physical Proximity vs. Spiritual Connection: The story illustrates that being physically near Jesus is not the same as truly connecting with him. The crowd could throng him, but it was the specific, purposeful touch that drew virtue from him, a lesson for all who would seek him.
In summary, synthlíbō G4918 is a vivid word that, despite its rare use, is essential to its context. It describes the physical crushing of a crowd pressing in on Jesus from all sides. More significantly, its use in the Gospel of Mark creates a powerful distinction between the overwhelming but impersonal presence of the multitude G3793 and the specific, faith-driven action of a single individual. The term helps illustrate that mere proximity to Jesus is fundamentally different from a true, intentional connection with Him.
TRV