Lexical Summary suntemnó: To cut short, to shorten Original Word: συντέμνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cut short. From sun and the base of tomoteros; to contract by cutting, i.e. (figuratively) do concisely (speedily) -- (cut) short. see GREEK sun see GREEK tomoteros HELPS Word-studies 4932 syntémnō (from 4862 /sýn, "identity with" and temnō, "cut, divide") – properly, cut together with, which "limits or restricts the scope of" (Souter), i.e. to make "the shortest way possible" (J. Thayer). 4932 /syntémnō ("to cut short, limit") is only used in Ro 9:28 (which is a quote from Is 10:23). This refers to God accomplishing His plan for the nation (land) of Israel and its people – cutting short the time for Antichrist has to ravage the Jews. See also the HELPS prophecy-guide in The Discovery Bible. Ro 9:28: " NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and the same as tomos Definition to cut in pieces NASB Translation quickly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4932: συντέμνωσυντέμνω; perfect passive participle συντετμημενος; from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; 1. to cut to pieces (cf. σύν, II. 3). 2. to cut short; metaphorically, to despatch briefly, execute or finish quickly; to hasten (συντέμνειν namely, τήν ὁδόν, to take a short cut, go the shortest way, Herodotus 7, 123; namely, τόν λόγον, to speak briefly, Euripides, Tro. 441; τάς ἀποκρισεις, to abridge, sum up, Plato, Prot., p. 334 d.; ἐν βραχεῖ πολλούς λόγους, Aristophanes Thesm. 178): λόγον (which see I. 2 b. α.), to bring a prophecy or decree speedily to accomplishment, Romans 9:28; λόγος συντετμημενος, a short word, i. e. an expedited prophecy or decree, ibid. (R G Tr marginal reading in brackets) (both instances from the Sept. of Isaiah 10:23); cf. Fritzsche at the passage, vol. ii, p. 350. Strong’s Greek 4932, syntémnō, appears once in the New Testament—Romans 9:28—where Paul cites Isaiah. The verb conveys the idea of promptly finishing or abbreviating a matter. In Romans the nuance points to God’s swift, decisive conclusion of His redemptive plan. Context in Romans 9:28 Romans 9–11 addresses the seeming tension between Israel’s historical election and the predominance of Gentile faith in Messiah. By quoting Isaiah, Paul affirms that God’s purpose for Israel remains intact even when a remnant is saved. Romans 9:28: “For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.” The verb syntémnō underlines (1) the certainty of God’s action, (2) its rapid completion, and (3) its thorough nature. Paul’s use reassures believers that divine promises are neither delayed nor derailed; the apparent slowness of history masks a predetermined, accelerated climax directed by God. Old Testament Background Isaiah 10:22–23 and Isaiah 28:22 form the source of Paul’s citation. Both passages arise during Assyria’s threat to Judah, highlighting God’s judgment mingled with mercy. The “short work” motif in Isaiah declares that judgment will be both swift and limited in scope, preserving a remnant. Paul adopts the motif to show continuity: just as ancient Judah experienced a surgically brief chastisement that preserved a holy seed, so present Israel experiences a divinely limited hardening while God swiftly incorporates Gentiles (Romans 11:25–27). Divine Sovereignty and Justice Syntémnō accents God’s prerogative to determine the duration and extent of His judgments. The same God who “cut short” the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 29:10; compare Daniel 9:2) and who will “shorten” the days of the great tribulation for the elect (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20) acts with sovereign efficiency. These parallels reinforce several truths: Historical and Redemptive Significance In second-temple Jewish expectation, the remnant theology of Isaiah fed hopes for a climactic, rapid deliverance. Paul shows that this hope is realized in Jesus Christ. The decisive “cutting short” appears in: 1. The cross, where judgment and mercy converge in a single historic act (Romans 3:25–26). Thus syntémnō encapsulates the already-and-not-yet tension: God has already acted decisively in Christ, and He will act again swiftly at the end of the age. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Assurance amid Delay: Believers facing prolonged trials can trust that God’s resolution, though seemingly delayed, will arrive swiftly when His purpose is complete (James 5:7–9). Eschatological Outlook The “short work” motif anticipates a rapid finale to history. Revelation depicts compressed sequences of seals, trumpets, and bowls, echoing Isaiah’s and Paul’s theme of a swift, consummating judgment. Just as syntémnō promises a brief, decisive action in Romans 9:28, so Scripture as a whole anticipates a climactic, sudden return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). Faithful readiness, therefore, is both rational and commanded (Matthew 24:44). Summary Syntémnō in Romans 9:28 crystallizes God’s character as One who finishes what He begins—completely, faithfully, and without unnecessary delay. It grounds hope for the remnant of Israel, sustains confidence in the gospel’s advance, and urges believers toward vigilant obedience while they await the swift fulfillment of every divine promise. |
    |