συστροφή
systrophḗ
G4963 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A gathering or coming together, often with the nuance of being closely packed or drawn together. In some contexts, especially in Koine Greek, it can refer to an assembly or group, frequently with undertones of being organized for a particular—and sometimes secretive or contentious—purpose. The term also carries the sense of a physical or metaphorical entwining or concentration.
Semantic Range
twisting together, entwining, coiling; gathering, close assembly, secret coalition, riotous or tumultuous crowd, conspiring group
Root / Etymology
From the verb συστρέφω (systrephō), meaning 'to twist together, to coil, to gather closely'. Formed with the prefix συν- (with, together) and στρέφω (to turn, to twist). Related to other words dealing with gathering or twisting.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, συστροφή was used for the act of twisting or winding together and for objects that were twisted, such as coils or rolls. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, it acquired additional metaphorical meanings, especially for gatherings, assemblies, or crowds drawn together, sometimes with covert or conspiratorial connotations. In the New Testament (Acts 19:40), it describes a tumultuous gathering or assembly—specifically, a riotous or disorderly crowd, emphasizing confusion and lack of formal organization. The Septuagint also uses it occasionally for physical entwining or for a group that has come together. English translations as 'concourse,' 'crowd,' or 'tumult' capture part of the meaning, but often miss the undertone of close gathering, potential secrecy, or conspiracy. Related terms include ὄχλος (crowd), συναγωγή (gathering), and ἐπισυναγωγή (assembly), but συστροφή more strongly suggests the manner or closeness of gathering, or the potential for disorder or plotting. The word does not denote an official or legally-sanctioned assembly but rather a congregation by circumstance or design, often for emotional or contentious reasons.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from συστρέφω; a twisting together, i.e. (figuratively) a secret coalition, riotous crowd:--+ band together, concourse.
Root Family
συστρεφ- (systrophḗ) — to twist together, to coil, to concentrate, to gather closely
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4963-01 |
συστροφὴν | sustrophen | N ACC F SG |
a conspiracy | a tightly-bound gathering | a tightly-bound gathering | 1 |
G4963-02 |
συστροφῆς | sustrophes | N GEN F SG |
gathering | of a tightly gathered assembly | assembly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4963-02 |
Acts 19:40 | συστροφῆς | sustrophes | N GEN F SG |
gathering | of a tightly gathered assembly | assembly |
G4963-01 |
Acts 23:12 | συστροφὴν | sustrophen | N ACC F SG |
a conspiracy | a tightly-bound gathering | a tightly-bound gathering |