συγκάμπτω (sugkamptō)
sugkamptō
to bend
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sugkamptō describes the physical act of bending something completely or together, often implying a forceful flexing. Its components combine a prefix meaning "with" or "together" with a root for bending, creating an image of yielding under pressure. While the word appears only once in the New Testament, its presence is significant because it draws directly from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament.
In Romans 11:10, Paul quotes Psalm 68 to describe a spiritual condition where God has made Israel’s eyes dull and bent their backs. Here, the word moves beyond simple anatomy to depict a state of oppression or subjugation. It suggests that hardness of heart is not merely an internal choice but a consequence of being weighed down by circumstances or divine judgment, much like a captive forced under a yoke.
This usage highlights the theological weight of physical posture in Scripture. The bending of the back symbolizes a loss of dignity and freedom, serving as a vivid metaphor for the spiritual blindness that can accompany persistent rebellion. By using this term, Paul connects the historical suffering of Israel with their current spiritual state, illustrating how external pressure can lead to internal rigidity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sugkamptō paints a vivid picture of being bent down under heavy weight. In Romans 11:10, Paul uses it to describe Israel’s spiritual condition, quoting an ancient psalm about eyes growing dull and backs bending low. This image captures more than physical posture; it reflects a heart weighed down by the consequences of turning away from God.
For your faith, this word offers a sobering reminder of how persistent rebellion can lead to a kind of spiritual exhaustion. When we resist God’s guidance, we may find ourselves feeling trapped or burdened, unable to see clearly or stand tall in truth. Yet even in this state, God’s purposes remain active, working through history and human struggle.
Though the image is one of oppression, it also points to the need for divine intervention. Only God can lift those bent under pressure and restore sight to eyes clouded by hardness. This hope invites us to examine our own hearts, seeking openness rather than resistance, trusting that God’s grace can renew both mind and spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do bend over.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύγκαμψον.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:10
Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Always keep their backs bent.”
Paul uses sugkamptō here to link Israel’s physical subjugation with their spiritual blindness, showing how divine judgment can result in a hardened heart.