### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **systéllō**, represented by `{{G4958}}`, is used to mean to draw together, enwrap for burial, or to contract an interval. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is twofold: one literal, involving the preparation of a corpse, and the other metaphorical, concerning the contraction of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4958}}` is applied in two distinct contexts. Its literal meaning is seen in the account of Ananias, where after his death, the young men "arose, **wound** him up" [[Acts 5:6]] in preparation for burial. The word is used here to describe the physical act of enshrouding a body. In a different context, the word takes on a metaphorical sense of time being compressed. Paul uses it to warn the Corinthian church that "the time is **short**" [[1 Corinthians 7:29]], implying a sense of urgency.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4958}}` is used:
* `{{G450}}` **anístēmi** (to stand up... arise): This action verb appears immediately before `{{G4958}}` in [[Acts 5:6]], where the young men "arose" in order to perform the task of winding up the body.
* `{{G2290}}` **tháptō** (to... bury): This term for burial directly follows the action of `{{G4958}}` in [[Acts 5:6]], showing the complete sequence from preparing the body to its final interment.
* `{{G2540}}` **kairós** (an occasion... time): This word for a specific "time" or "season" is the subject being described as "short," or contracted, by `{{G4958}}` in [[1 Corinthians 7:29]].
### Theological Significance
The dual meaning of `{{G4958}}` points to significant underlying themes:
* **Finality and Preparation:** The use of `{{G4958}}` in [[Acts 5:6]] highlights the finality of death and the immediate, practical steps required. The act of "winding up" a body is a definitive action that precedes burial.
* **Eschatological Urgency:** In [[1 Corinthians 7:29]], the word shifts from a physical to a temporal contraction. The statement that "the time is short" serves as a call to live with an awareness of the limited nature of the present age.
* **Drawing Together:** The base definition "to send (draw) together" is central to both uses. In one instance, a corpse is physically wrapped and drawn together. In the other, time itself is drawn together into a contracted, shorter interval.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4958}}` conveys a powerful idea of contraction, whether applied to a physical body or a period of time. It functions both as a practical term for preparing the dead [[Acts 5:6]] and as a theological declaration about the brevity of the current era [[1 Corinthians 7:29]]. Through its limited but potent usage, **systéllō** illustrates how a single Greek word can capture both the tangible actions surrounding death and the abstract concept of temporal urgency.
TRV