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συντόμως

syntómōs

G4935 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Adverb meaning 'in a brief manner,' 'succinctly,' or 'quickly.' It denotes the expression or execution of something without unnecessary delay or elaboration; focused on brevity or rapid completion, especially in speech or summary statements.

Semantic Range

briefly, concisely, succinctly, in a short time, without delay, in a condensed manner, in few words

Root / Etymology

From the root συντέμνω (syntémnō, 'to cut short,' 'to reduce'), itself composed of the preposition σύν ('together' or 'with') and the verb τέμνω ('to cut'). συντόμως is the adverbial form derived from a verbal adjective related to συντέμνω.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In both Hellenistic and Koine Greek, συντόμως is used to mean 'briefly' or 'in short order,' typically referring to summarizing speech or acting without delay. In New Testament usage, the word appears, for example, in Acts 24:4, where it means 'briefly' or 'in as few words as possible.' In secular Koine sources, it regularly denotes brevity in speech, thought, or action. While English translations often render it as 'briefly' or 'in a few words,' the nuance sometimes also contains the sense of promptness or efficiency. The adverb is relatively rare in both biblical and non-biblical Greek, and the semantic range is fairly consistent across attested sources. As a stylistic term, it signals the speaker’s or writer’s intention not to dwell at length on the matter at hand. It is distinct from ἐν συντομίᾳ (en syntomíā), which can refer to a state of being brief or condensed, but is not used adverbially in the same sense. Standard English translations generally capture its scope well in the contexts in which it occurs.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from a derivative of συντέμνω; concisely (briefly):--a few words.

Root Family

συντόμως (syntomos) — cut short, reduce, summarize, make concise

Root συντεμν- to cut short, to reduce, to summarize

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4935-01 συντόμως suntomos ADV briefly concisely concisely 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4935-01 Acts 24:4 συντόμως suntomos ADV briefly concisely concisely
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