συντρίβω (suntribō)
suntribō
to break
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb suntribō carries the forceful meaning of breaking or shattering something into pieces. Its root combines a sense of intensity with the idea of grinding or crushing, creating an image of total destruction rather than simple fracture. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, often describing physical violence against people or objects.
This word paints a vivid picture of overwhelming force. It is used to describe soldiers breaking chains that held Jesus (Mark 5:4), a demon tearing a boy’s body until he was nearly destroyed (Luke 9:39), and the intense pressure of nails piercing hands on the cross (Mark 15:36). Even in Revelation, it describes the crushing weight of authority wielded by Christ over nations.
While most uses are literal, Paul employs it figuratively in Romans 16:20 to describe God crushing Satan under believers’ feet. Here, the word shifts from physical destruction to decisive victory. Translators typically render it as "break," "crush," or "shatter," capturing the finality of the action without softening its impact.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word suntribō describes a forceful breaking or crushing that leaves no room for repair. It paints a vivid picture of total destruction, whether it is chains snapped by desperate strength or clay pots shattered under a heavy rod. This intensity reminds us that some bonds are meant to be fully severed and some enemies decisively defeated.
Yet this same word appears in gentle contexts too. In Matthew 12:20, we read that the Messiah will not break a bruised reed. Here, the power to destroy is held back by mercy. God’s strength is not shown in crushing what is fragile, but in protecting it. This balance between overwhelming power and tender care is central to our faith.
When you face situations where things feel broken beyond repair, remember that God holds the authority to shatter chains of oppression. At the same time, He treats your own vulnerabilities with extreme care. You are never crushed by His weight; instead, you are upheld by His grace. This dual nature of divine power offers both protection and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bruised2×
- will crush1×
- will be broken1×
- to have been shattered,1×
- having broken1×
- bruising1×
- are broken in pieces1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συντρῖβον1×
- συντρίψει1×
- συντρίψασα1×
- συντρίβεται1×
- συντριβήσεται1×
- συντετρῖφθαι,1×
- συντετριμμένους1×
- συντετριμμένον1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:20
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
This verse highlights the restraint of Christ’s power, showing He chooses not to break what is already fragile.
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Mark 5:4
because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
Here the word describes chains broken by human desperation, illustrating the strength required to escape bondage.
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Romans 16:20
And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Paul uses this forceful verb to promise that God will decisively crush Satan under believers’ feet.
-
John 19:36
For these things happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “A bone of him will not be broken.”
This reference fulfills prophecy by stating not a bone of Jesus would be broken, emphasizing His preservation even in death.