### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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