συστέλλω (sustellō)
sustellō
to wrap up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sustellō describes the physical act of drawing things together or wrapping them up. In its most literal sense, it refers to bundling or shrouding something, such as when the young men in Acts 5:6 wrap up the body of Ananias for burial. This usage highlights a specific moment of preparing a body, emphasizing the finality and care involved in that cultural practice.
Paul uses this same word in a striking metaphorical way in 1 Corinthians 7:29. He suggests that the present form of this world is "shortened" or contracted, implying that time itself is being drawn into a brief compass. By using a term associated with wrapping or bundling, Paul conveys a sense of urgency and compressed duration, urging believers to live with an awareness that the current age is drawing to a close.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word συστέλλω (sustellō) literally means to wrap up or bundle together. In Acts, it describes the careful preparation of a body for burial, a moment of finality and respect. This physical act reminds us that our time in this world has a definite end, calling us to treat life with dignity and care.
Paul uses this same word metaphorically in 1 Corinthians to describe how the present age is being drawn into a brief compass. He urges believers to live with an awareness that time is compressed. This does not mean we abandon our responsibilities, but rather that we hold them lightly, knowing that the current form of this world is passing away.
Understanding this word helps us balance our engagement with daily life and our hope in eternity. We can work faithfully and love deeply, yet keep our hearts anchored in the promise that God’s kingdom is coming. This perspective brings peace, allowing us to face uncertainty with steady faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shortened1×
- covered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνέστειλαν1×
- συνεσταλμένος1×
Key Verses
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Acts 5:6
The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
This verse shows the literal use of the word for wrapping a body, highlighting the finality of death and the care taken in burial customs.