Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Syntheton; or Combination

A placing together of two Words by Usage

Syn´-the-ton. Greek, σύνθετον, from σύν (sun), together, and τιθέναι (tithenai), to place. Hence, σύνθετος (synthetos) means put together.

It is used of this Figure because two words are by common usage joined by a conjunction for the sake of emphasis, as when we say "time and tide," "end and aim," "rank and fortune."

It differs from Synthesis (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ). And also from Hendiadys, where only one thing is meant, though two are used (see Hendiadys).

Genesis 18:27.-"Dust and ashes."

Psalms 115:13.-"Small and great."

Acts 7:22.-Moses was "mighty in words and in deeds."

There are many examples where certain words thus become linked together by usage: e.g., "rich and poor," "old and young," "bread and wine," "meat and drink," "babes and sucklings," "sins and iniquities," "faith and works," "God and man," "thoughts and deeds," etc., etc.

The opposite of this Figure is Hendiadys (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ), by which, though two words are used, only one thing is meant.

Here, in Syntheton, much more is meant than is expressed and embraced by the conjunction of the two words.