σύντριμμα (suntrimma)
suntrimma
ruin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun suntrimma describes something that has been broken or shattered into pieces. It refers to a physical fracture, such as a bone or vessel, but in Scripture it carries a heavier metaphorical weight. The word signifies total ruin, calamity, or destruction, painting a picture of something rendered useless by force.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:16, where Paul quotes the Septuagint translation of Psalm 10:7. He uses it to describe the mouths of those who are full of cursing and bitterness, characterizing their speech as a source of moral devastation. The underlying verb implies a violent crushing, suggesting that such words do not just hurt feelings but cause structural collapse in relationships and communities.
Its rarity highlights its intensity. By choosing this specific word for "destruction," the text emphasizes the catastrophic nature of deceitful speech. It is not merely a mistake or a minor flaw; it is a state of being broken beyond repair, reflecting the severe consequences of living without reverence for God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word suntrimma paints a stark picture of total ruin, describing something shattered beyond repair. In Romans 3:16, Paul uses this intense term to describe the destructive power of bitter speech. It is not just a minor slip or a casual insult; it is a force that breaks relationships and leaves communities in misery.
When we speak with malice, we contribute to this kind of structural collapse. The Bible warns us that our words can cause genuine devastation, leaving people broken and lost. Recognizing the weight of our speech helps us choose kindness over cruelty, protecting others from unnecessary harm.
This reminder invites us to guard our tongues carefully. Instead of tearing down, we can build up. By speaking with grace, we help heal rather than destroy, reflecting a heart that values peace and restoration above all else.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ruin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύντριμμα1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:16
Destruction and misery are in their ways.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of suntrimma, where Paul uses it to characterize the moral devastation caused by cursing and bitter speech.