The Greek word σύντριμμα, suntrimma only occurs once in Romans 3:16. The context does not clarify whether the destruction spoken of it is in support of annihilationism or eternal conscious torment. It can be either physical or spiritual destruction, but the context does not reveal its nature. Both positions are interpretive possibilities, but not necessitated. Therefore, it cannot be used to prove annihilationism.
- Greek word: σύντριμμα, suntrimma
- Meaning: destruction, ruin
- Strong’s #: G4938
- Frequency: 1 occurrence in 1 verse.
Summary of the meaning of the Greek word suntrimma, destruction, in all verses where it occurs in the New Testament.
- Physical and/or spiritual death, 1 occurrence
- Rom. 3:16
| TABLE OF ALL NEW TESTAMENT USAGES OF SUNTRIMMA, σύντριμμα | ||
| Address | Verse | Meaning |
| Rom. 3:16 | “DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,” | Physical and/or spiritual death |
Dictionaries and Lexicons consulted
- “σύντριμμα súntrimma; gen. suntrímmatos, neut. noun from suntríbō (4937), to break into pieces, crush. A crushing, fracture, breaking to pieces, destruction (Sept.: Lev. 21:19; Is. 30:14). Figuratively, destruction, decimation (Rom. 3:16 quoted from Is. 59:7; see Is. 22:4; 60:18; Jer. 8:21).
- Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000.
- “σύντριμμα, τος n: a state of destruction and ruin—‘ruin, destruction.’ σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν ‘they leave ruin and misery wherever they go’ Ro 3:16. In some languages it is impossible to speak of ‘leaving ruin’ except in the sense of going off from ruin. Accordingly, it may be necessary to render this expression in Rom. 3:16 as ‘they cause ruin and misery wherever they go.'”
- Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.
- “σύντριμμα [suntrimma /soon·trim·mah/] n n. From 4937; TDNT 7:919; TDNTA 1124; GK 5342; AV translates as “destruction” once. 1 that which is broken or shattered, a fracture. 2 calamity, ruin, destruction.”
- Strong, James. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1995.
