### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σύντριμμα (sýntrimma, `{{G4938}}`) is derived from the verb συντρίβω (syntríbō, `{{G4937}}`), which means "to break in pieces," "to shatter," "to crush," or "to bruise." Consequently, σύντριμμα denotes the *result* of such an action. Its core meaning is a "breaking into pieces," "fracture," or "concussion," implying a violent and complete disintegration. In a figurative sense, and as it is primarily used in the New Testament, it extends to "complete ruin" or "utter destruction." This is not merely damage or harm, but a state of being thoroughly broken beyond repair, suggesting a tangible and devastating outcome. The term emphasizes a profound and irreversible state of brokenness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word σύντριμμα (sýntrimma, `{{G4938}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in:
* **[[Romans 3:16]]**: "Destruction and misery are in their ways."
* This verse is part of Paul's comprehensive indictment of human sinfulness, where he meticulously builds a case for universal depravity, drawing heavily from various Old Testament passages. The phrase "destruction and misery" (σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία - sýntrimma kai talaipōría) is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Isaiah 59:7]].
* In the original Hebrew of [[Isaiah 59:7]], the words are שֶׁבֶר (shever, `{{H7667}}`, "breaking, ruin, disaster") and הָרֶס (heres, `{{H2040}}`, "demolition, destruction"). The LXX's choice of σύντριμμα (sýntrimma) to translate שֶׁבֶר (shever) powerfully conveys the idea of a shattered or fractured state.
* In the context of [[Romans 3:16]], Paul uses this vivid imagery to describe the path and conduct ("ways") of those who are unrighteous and estranged from God. Their actions, characterized by violence, deceit, and a lack of the fear of God, lead inevitably to utter ruin and profound suffering. The term "sýntrimma" here signifies the complete breakdown and devastation that sin brings, not just to individuals but to society, as their chosen "ways" are inherently destructive. It underscores the profound and irreparable damage caused by human rebellion against divine order.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Verbal Root:** The most direct relation is to its verbal root, συντρίβω (syntríbō, `{{G4937}}`), meaning "to break in pieces, shatter, crush." This verb is used in various contexts, such as breaking a jar ([[Mark 14:3]]), a staff ([[Matthew 12:20]]), or even the serpent's head ([[Romans 16:20]]). The noun σύντριμμα is the *result* or *state* brought about by this action.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Septuagint, σύντριμμα frequently translates Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas of breaking, ruin, or disaster. Key examples include:
* שֶׁבֶר (shever, `{{H7667}}`): "breaking, fracture, ruin, disaster," as seen in [[Isaiah 59:7]] (the source for [[Romans 3:16]]) and [[Jeremiah 4:6]].
* מַכָּה (makkah, `{{H4347}}`): "blow, wound, plague," which can imply a crushing or devastating impact, as in [[Isaiah 1:6]].
* **Semantic Field of Destruction:** Other Greek words that convey aspects of destruction or ruin, though with distinct nuances, include:
* ἀπώλεια (apōleia, `{{G684}}`): "destruction, ruin, loss," often carrying the connotation of eternal perdition.
* ὄλεθρος (olethros, `{{G3639}}`): "ruin, destruction, death," frequently implying a violent or catastrophic end, often associated with divine judgment.
* φθορά (phthora, `{{G5356}}`): "corruption, decay, destruction," often referring to perishing, moral decay, or physical decomposition.
While these terms share the general idea of ruin, σύντριμμα uniquely emphasizes the *shattered* or *fractured* nature of that destruction, suggesting something that was once whole but has been violently broken apart.
### Theological Significance
* **The Pervasiveness and Gravity of Sin:** The use of σύντριμμα in [[Romans 3:16]] serves as a stark theological declaration regarding the devastating nature of sin. It portrays sin not merely as isolated acts of transgression but as a pervasive force that leads to a state of utter brokenness and ruin. The "ways" of humanity apart from God are inherently self-destructive, causing fragmentation in relationships, moral decay, and societal collapse. This highlights the profound spiritual and existential damage wrought by rebellion against God.
* **Humanity's Helplessness:** The imagery of "destruction" (σύντριμμα) underscores the depth of human depravity and the inability of humanity to rescue itself from its fallen state. If one's path leads to complete ruin, it signifies a condition beyond self-repair. This sets the stage for the necessity of divine intervention and the redemptive work of Christ.
* **Divine Justice and Consequences:** While [[Romans 3:16]] focuses on the immediate consequences of human action, the Old Testament background in Isaiah often links such ruin to divine judgment. The "destruction" is not arbitrary but is the just and inevitable outcome for those who reject God's righteous standards. It reveals a moral universe where unrighteousness leads to calamitous ends.
* **Contrast with God's Redemptive Power:** The severity of "sýntrimma" implicitly magnifies the power and grace of God's restorative work. Where sin brings utter shattering, God offers healing and new creation. The "bruised reed" that Christ will not break ([[Matthew 12:20]]) stands in stark contrast to the widespread "destruction" caused by human sin, demonstrating God's compassion and His ability to mend even the most profoundly broken aspects of creation and humanity.
### Summary
The Greek word σύντριμμα (sýntrimma, `{{G4938}}`), derived from συντρίβω (syntríbō, `{{G4937}}`), signifies a "shattering," "fracture," or "concussion," ultimately denoting "complete ruin" or "utter destruction." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 3:16]], a direct quotation from [[Isaiah 59:7]] (LXX), describes the path of unrighteous humanity: "Destruction and misery are in their ways." This powerful term highlights the profound and shattering consequences of sin, illustrating the depth of human depravity as a state of deep brokenness and ruin. Theologically, σύντριμμα underscores the pervasive and devastating nature of sin, the helplessness of humanity to repair its own brokenness, and implicitly, the glorious magnitude of God's redemptive power to heal and restore what is utterly shattered.
TRV