Lexical Summary sunthruptó: To shatter, to crush together, to break in pieces Original Word: συνθρύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance break. From sun and thrupto (to crumble); to crush together, i.e. (figuratively) to dispirit -- break. see GREEK sun NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and thruptó (to break in pieces) Definition to break in pieces, crush NASB Translation breaking (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4919: συνθρυπτοσυνθρυπτο, participle nominative plural masculine συνθρύπτοντές; to break in pieces, to crush: metaphorically, τήν καρδίαν, to break one's heart, i. e. to deprive of strength and courage, dispirit, incapacitate for enduring trials, Acts 21:13. (In ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.) Topical Lexicon Primary Occurrence (Acts 21:13) The verb appears once in the New Testament, in the poignant scene at Caesarea when the believers plead with Paul not to risk Jerusalem. “Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” (Acts 21:13). Here the word depicts an emotional crushing rather than physical violence, showing how deep, earnest affection can weigh upon the servant of God who is resolute in divine calling. Narrative and Historical Setting Paul is completing his third missionary journey, carrying a relief offering for the Jerusalem saints (Romans 15:25-27). Prophetic warnings (Acts 20:23; Acts 21:4, 10-11) confirm coming chains, yet Paul’s course is fixed. The believers’ tears spring from genuine love, but their pleas are unintentionally at cross-purposes with the Spirit’s revealed will. The verb underscores the tension between heartfelt concern and obedient submission to God’s redemptive plan. Semantic Range and Imagery In classical usage the term could describe pottery shattering or a ship dashed to pieces. Luke applies the imagery to the inner life: intense emotion that pounds the heart until it feels fractured. The language captures both the strength of Christian fellowship and the cost of apostolic courage. Theological Themes 1. Costly Discipleship: Paul embodies the teaching of Jesus—“Whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). The word spotlights the real pain often involved when obedience demands sacrifice. Connections with “Brokenhearted” Motifs Old Testament poetry repeatedly speaks of hearts crushed before the LORD. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Isaiah foresaw Messiah “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1), echoed by Jesus in Luke 4:18. While different vocabulary is involved, the shared imagery highlights God’s closeness to afflicted saints and His use of suffering to accomplish salvation. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Intercession must align with revealed purpose. Prayer and counsel meant to spare hardship should first seek God’s intent lest they discourage obedience. Echoes in Early Church History Subsequent generations read Acts 21:13 as a model for martyr-steadfastness. Ignatius, on his own journey to Rome, mirrors Paul’s language, urging believers not to hinder his forthcoming witness. The word therefore resonates beyond its single New Testament occurrence, shaping Christian understanding of courageous loyalty to Christ. Devotional Reflection Believers today still encounter moments when well-meaning love could dissuade obedience. Paul’s “broken heart” teaches that true fellowship ultimately submits to God’s larger mission, trusting that no suffering is wasted and that Christ Himself mends all shattered pieces in the resurrection glory to come (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Forms and Transliterations συνθρυπτοντες συνθρύπτοντές sunthruptontes synthryptontes synthrýptontésLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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