Word Study for G4932 (συντέμνω)

syntémnō /soon-tem'-no/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom σύν and the base of τομώτερος

Meaningto contract by cutting, i.e. (figuratively) do concisely (speedily)

KJV usage(cut) short.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of syntémnō — 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 syntémnō, represented by G4932, means to contract by cutting or, figuratively, to do something concisely or speedily. It is derived from σύν and the base of τομώτερος. Though specific, its usage is limited, as it appears 2 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of G4932 is in Romans 9:28, where it is used twice to describe the finality and speed of God's work. The passage states that the Lord will finish His work and "cut it short in righteousness." It then reiterates the concept, explaining that "a short work will the Lord make upon the earth" Romans 9:28. In this context, the word emphasizes a swift and decisive conclusion to God's dealings.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the action described in its biblical context:

G4931 synteléō (finish): Defined as "to complete entirely," this word is used directly alongside G4932 to show that God's work will be both fully accomplished and brought to a quick end Romans 9:28. It is also used in other contexts to signify when something is ended or fulfilled Matthew 7:28.
G3056 lógos (word, work): This term refers to "something said" or a "work." In Romans 9:28, it is the "work" or "account" that the Lord will cut short. The connection between finishing a work and a saying is seen elsewhere, as when Jesus had "ended these sayings" Matthew 7:28.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4932 is tied directly to its use in describing God's methodology.

Concise Fulfillment: The word indicates that God's work on the earth will have a swift and concise conclusion. It speaks to a divine plan that does not linger but is brought to its end decisively Romans 9:28.
Righteous Action: The act of "cutting it short" is explicitly done "in righteousness" Romans 9:28. This connects the speed of God's judgment and work with his perfect and just character.
Sovereign Authority: The context makes it clear that this swift work is an act of divine will, as it is "the Lord" who will "make" this "short work upon the earth" Romans 9:28, highlighting His ultimate control.

Summary

In summary, G4932 provides a specific and powerful image of finality. While rare, its use in Romans 9:28 is significant, illustrating that God's work will not only be completed entirely but will be executed swiftly and righteously. It contributes to a theological understanding of God as one who acts with purpose, authority, and decisive speed to fulfill His plans.

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 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

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 Romans — 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.