Lexical Summary suntomós: Short, concise, brief Original Word: σύντομος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance briefly Adverb from a derivative of suntemno; concisely (briefly) -- a few words. see GREEK suntemno NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from suntomos (cut short); from suntemnó Definition briefly NASB Translation brief (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4935: συντόμωςσυντόμως (συντέμνω) (from Aeschylus, Sophocles, Plato down), adverb, concisely i. e. briefly, in few words: ἀκοῦσαι τίνος, Acts 24:4 (γράψαι, Josephus, contra Apion 1, 1; διδάσκειν, ibid. 1, 6, 2; (εἰπεῖν, ibid. 2, 14, 1; ἐξαγγέλλειν, Mark 16 WH (rejected) 'Shorter Conclusion')); for examples from Greek writings see Passow (or Liddell and Scott) under the word, at the end. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuances The adverb συντόμως conveys the ideas of brevity, conciseness, and speed—doing or saying something “in a short time” or “briefly.” In New Testament usage it can indicate either restrained speech (concise remarks) or rapid action (swift execution). Occurrences in Scripture 1. Mark 16:20 – the concluding summary of Mark describes the apostles going out and preaching everywhere, the Lord working “συντόμως” with them, confirming the word through accompanying signs. Exegetical Observations • Mark 16:20 places συντόμως in a context of missionary urgency. The risen Lord immediately authenticates the proclamation with signs, underscoring that the gospel’s advance is not slow or hesitant but prompt and decisive. Historical and Ministry Significance Early Christian preaching was characterized by urgency; the church could not afford delay while the world lay in darkness (cf. Romans 13:11). Συντόμως captures that atmosphere: apostolic proclamation went forth without procrastination, and God answered with equally prompt confirmation. In apologetic settings, concise testimony often proved most effective. The brevity promised by Tertullus paved the way for Paul’s subsequent defense, reminding believers that careful, succinct presentation of truth can open doors for the gospel even before secular tribunals. Theological Implications 1. Divine Cooperation – Mark 16:20 links human obedience and divine action in real time: as soon as the disciples preach, the Lord “worked with them,” validating His word. Practical Reflections for Believers • Proclaim promptly. Opportunities can vanish quickly; obedience delayed is often obedience denied. Related Concepts and Passages • “Immediately” (εὐθύς) in Mark’s Gospel emphasizes similar urgency (Mark 1:18). Summary Strong’s Greek 4935, συντόμως, gathers in a single adverb two vital strands of New Testament life: swift obedience and concise proclamation. Whether describing the rapid spread of the gospel or the respectful brevity of courtroom rhetoric, the term reminds Christ’s followers to act and speak with purposeful urgency, confident that the Lord will promptly uphold His word. Forms and Transliterations συντομως συντόμως suntomos suntomōs syntomos syntomōs syntómos syntómōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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