### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb systéllō (G4958) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and στέλλω (stellō), meaning "to send," "to set," or "to arrange." This etymological foundation gives rise to its core meaning: "to send (draw) together" or "to gather up." From this core, two primary semantic ranges emerge:
1. **Physical Contraction or Envelopment:** This refers to the act of drawing something together, contracting it, or enwrapping it. A prominent application within this range is the preparation of a corpse for burial, specifically the act of enshrouding or winding up the body. This implies a binding, tightening, or compacting action.
2. **Temporal Contraction:** This denotes the shortening of an interval of time, making it brief, concise, or drawing it to a close. It suggests a compression or acceleration of a period.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Systéllō appears twice in the New Testament, each instance beautifully illustrating one of its distinct semantic ranges:
1. **Physical Envelopment (Preparation for Burial):**
* [[Acts 5:6]]: "And the young men arose and wrapped him up (συνεστάλκησαν), and carried him out and buried him." Here, the word describes the immediate and stark preparation of Ananias's body after his sudden death. The context is one of divine judgment, and the action of "wrapping him up" (likely in grave clothes or a shroud) signifies the swift and solemn transition from life to burial. This usage perfectly aligns with the definition of enshrouding a corpse, emphasizing the physical act of drawing the body together for interment.
2. **Temporal Shortening (Eschatological Urgency):**
* [[1 Corinthians 7:29]]: "But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened (συνεσταλμένος), so that those who have wives should be as though they had none." In this passage, Paul employs systéllō in an eschatological exhortation. The "time" (ὁ καιρός - the opportune season, the critical moment) is described as having been "shortened," "contracted," or "drawn to a close." This is not merely a statement about chronological duration but a theological declaration about the brevity of the present age in light of the impending return of Christ. Paul uses this concept to urge believers to live with a sense of urgency, detaching themselves from worldly concerns and commitments, and focusing on their devotion to the Lord. The perfect passive participle indicates a state of being already shortened or compressed.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **στέλλω (stellō):** The root verb `{{G4724}}` means "to set," "to arrange," or "to send." Its compounds often convey actions of bringing things together or apart.
* **σύν (syn):** The prefix `{{G4862}}` is foundational, indicating "with," "together," or "jointly." It consistently modifies the base verb to imply collection, summation, or co-action.
* **Words for "wrap" or "bind":** Other Greek terms like `{{G1794}}` (entylissō - to roll up, wrap around) or `{{G1210}}` (deō - to bind) share a semantic field when referring to covering or securing something. However, systéllō specifically emphasizes the action of "drawing together" or "contracting" in the wrapping process, often with a sense of finality.
* **Words for "shorten" or "cut off" (temporal):** Concepts such as `{{G2856}}` (koloboo - to cut off, shorten) found in [[Matthew 24:22]] also convey the idea of time being abbreviated. Systéllō, however, uniquely suggests the idea of time being "drawn in" or "compressed," emphasizing a divine purpose behind the contraction.
### Theological Significance
The dual application of systéllō yields profound theological insights:
1. **Mortality, Judgment, and Sacred Space:** In [[Acts 5:6]], the swift enshrouding of Ananias's body underscores the immediate and inescapable reality of death as a consequence of divine judgment. This event serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin within the nascent community of believers. The act of "wrapping up" the body is a practical yet symbolic act of preparing the deceased for burial, a universal human response to death, here imbued with the solemnity of divine retribution and the protection of the sanctity of the early church.
2. **Eschatological Urgency and Kingdom Priorities:** In [[1 Corinthians 7:29]], systéllō forms the theological bedrock for Paul's radical call to live in light of the imminent return of Christ. The "shortened time" is not merely a chronological observation but a divine declaration that the present world order is temporary and fleeting. This truth compels believers to re-evaluate their attachments to worldly relationships, possessions, and pursuits. It fosters a spirit of spiritual detachment (ἀποχράομαι - to use sparingly or not to misuse) and redirects their focus towards the eternal kingdom. The brevity of this age calls for a reordering of priorities, emphasizing devotion to God and the advancement of His purposes over temporal comforts and earthly aspirations. It is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is lived in the tension between the "already" inaugurated kingdom and the "not yet" fully consummated kingdom, demanding an expectant and urgent posture.
### Summary
Systéllō (G4958) is a Greek verb meaning "to draw together" or "to contract," stemming from σύν (together) and στέλλω (to send/arrange). Its biblical usage manifests in two significant ways. In [[Acts 5:6]], it describes the physical act of "enshrouding" a corpse for burial, highlighting the solemnity and finality of death, particularly in the context of divine judgment and the purity of the early church. In [[1 Corinthians 7:29]], it refers to the "shortening" or "contraction" of time, serving as a crucial theological concept for Paul's exhortation to live with eschatological urgency and a detached perspective on worldly affairs. Both applications, though distinct, convey profound truths: the gravity of sin and human mortality, and the imperative for believers to live with an eternal perspective in anticipation of Christ's return. The word thus encapsulates both the physical reality of human finitude and the temporal urgency of the Christian hope.
TRV