### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συνθλίβω (synthlíbō, `{{G4918}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb θλίβω (thlíbō, `{{G2346}}`), which means "to press," "to squeeze," or "to oppress." Therefore, συνθλίβω literally signifies "to press together," "to squeeze together," or "to compress on all sides." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily denoting a physical crowding or pressure from multiple directions, akin to being hemmed in or constricted by a dense mass. The English translation "to throng" accurately captures this sense of being pressed upon by a multitude. The emphasis is on the collective action of many individuals creating an overwhelming physical force or presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συνθλίβω appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in the Gospel of Mark, specifically in the narrative concerning the healing of Jairus's daughter and the woman with the issue of blood.
1. **[[Mark 5:24]]**: "And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and *thronged* him." Here, the word vividly describes the immediate environment surrounding Jesus as he accompanies Jairus. The multitude is not merely following but pressing in on him, indicating a dense and perhaps overwhelming crowd. This portrayal sets the stage for the challenge faced by anyone attempting to approach Jesus directly.
2. **[[Mark 5:31]]**: "And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude *thronging* thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?" This verse reiterates the intense pressure of the crowd from the disciples' perspective. Their response highlights the apparent absurdity of Jesus' question, given that he was constantly being pressed and jostled by the many people surrounding him. The disciples' observation underscores the sheer physical difficulty of discerning a specific touch amidst such a dense throng.
In both contexts, συνθλίβω paints a dynamic picture of Jesus' public ministry, where he was constantly surrounded by eager, often desperate, crowds. The word emphasizes the physical reality of his accessibility, yet also the challenge this presented for individual interaction. It sets the scene for the miraculous discernment of the woman's faith-filled touch from the general, indiscriminate pressure of the crowd.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relative of συνθλίβω is its root, θλίβω (thlíbō, `{{G2346}}`). While θλίβω can mean "to press" physically, it often extends metaphorically to "to oppress," "to trouble," or "to afflict," leading to the noun θλῖψις (thlípsis, `{{G2347}}`), meaning "tribulation" or "affliction." συνθλίβω retains the literal sense of physical pressing but intensifies it by adding the σύν prefix, indicating a collective or complete pressing from all sides.
Other related concepts include:
* ὄχλος (ochlos, `{{G3793}}`): "crowd" or "multitude," which is the agent performing the "thronging" in the Markan passages.
* συνέχω (synéchō, `{{G4912}}`): "to hold together," "to press," "to constrain," which can also describe being hemmed in, though perhaps with less emphasis on the collective pressure of a crowd.
* πνίγω (pnígō, `{{G4155}}`): "to choke" or "to stifle," which implies a more severe form of pressing or constriction, often to the point of suffocation.
The unique contribution of συνθλίβω lies in its specific depiction of being overwhelmed by the physical presence of a crowd, a situation frequently encountered by Jesus during his ministry.
### Theological Significance
While συνθλίβω primarily describes a physical phenomenon, its theological significance emerges powerfully from its context. The "thronging" of the multitude around Jesus highlights several key aspects of his ministry:
1. **Jesus' Accessibility and Popularity**: The word underscores the immense drawing power of Jesus. People were desperate to be near him, to hear him, and to touch him. He was not an aloof figure but one who entered into the midst of human need and suffering.
2. **The Nature of Faith vs. Proximity**: The narrative in Mark 5 profoundly contrasts the indiscriminate physical pressure of the "throng" with the intentional, faith-filled touch of the woman with the issue of blood. While many "thronged" Jesus, only one "touched" him in a way that drew power and healing. This distinction is crucial: mere physical proximity or casual contact with Christ is insufficient; it is faith that truly connects and transforms.
3. **Jesus' Divine Awareness**: Despite the overwhelming chaos and pressure of the crowd, Jesus possessed a divine awareness that allowed him to discern the singular, faith-driven touch. The disciples' bewilderment ("Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?") serves to highlight Jesus' supernatural perception amidst the human clamor. He was not merely a man jostled by a crowd, but the Son of God who knew the hearts and intentions of those around him.
Thus, συνθλίβω serves as a vivid backdrop against which the power of faith and the unique discernment of Christ are dramatically illustrated.
### Summary
The Greek verb συνθλίβω (synthlíbō, `{{G4918}}`) denotes the act of "pressing together" or "crowding on all sides," most aptly translated as "to throng." Its two occurrences in the Gospel of Mark ([[Mark 5:24]], [[Mark 5:31]]) vividly depict the intense physical pressure exerted by the multitudes surrounding Jesus during his earthly ministry. This word, while simple in its literal meaning, serves to underscore the immense popularity and accessibility of Jesus, who was constantly immersed in the midst of human need. Theologically, συνθλίβω provides a crucial contrast between the superficial contact of the pressing crowd and the profound, faith-filled touch that alone drew healing power from Christ. It further highlights Jesus' divine perception, enabling him to discern true faith even amidst overwhelming human chaos. The word thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic and often challenging environment in which the Savior ministered.
TRV