συνθλίβω (sunthlibō)
sunthlibō
to push against
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunthlibō describes the physical sensation of being pressed together or squeezed from all sides. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within the fifth chapter of Mark’s Gospel. In these passages, it captures the intense pressure of a dense crowd pushing against Jesus as He moves through the throng.
Its meaning derives from two parts: the prefix sun, meaning "together," and thlibō, which means to press or crush. This combination creates a vivid image of tight confinement rather than simple contact. The word emphasizes the weight and force of the multitude surrounding Him, highlighting the physical difficulty of His movement.
Translators typically render this term as "pressed" or "thronged." By using such specific language, the text conveys more than just proximity; it communicates the heavy, crushing nature of the crowd. This detail underscores the urgency and intensity of the moment when those in need sought to reach Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunthlibō paints a vivid picture of being squeezed from every side. It describes the heavy, physical pressure of a crowd pushing against Jesus in Mark’s Gospel. This isn't just gentle contact; it is the weight of many bodies moving together, creating a sense of confinement and urgency.
For your faith, this image reminds you that Jesus is not distant or unreachable. Even when life feels overwhelming and crowded, He is present in the midst of the noise. The text shows that He can discern a single touch within that chaos, offering comfort and attention even in the most pressing circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were pressing in on1×
- pressing in on1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνέθλιβον1×
- συνθλίβοντά1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:24
He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.
This verse establishes the physical reality of the crowd's pressure, showing how the multitude surrounded Jesus with such force that movement became difficult.
-
Mark 5:31
His disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
Here the disciples acknowledge the intense pressing against Him, highlighting the contrast between the chaotic external pressure and Jesus' focused internal awareness.