Brief Overview of κακοπαθέω (Strong’s G2553: kakopatheō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as κακοπαθέω (kakopatheō) is crucial for interpreting Biblical texts and grasping the cultural context of early Christianity. This word, often translated as “to suffer hardship” or “to endure affliction,” appears in passages where endurance and patience through difficult circumstances are encouraged. It plays a significant role in understanding the trials faced by early Christians and their call to remain steadfast in faith.

Key Information

The Greek Word: κακοπαθέω, transliterated as kakopatheō, pronounced [ka-ko-pa-THEH-o].
Etymology: Derived from κακός (kakos), meaning “bad” or “evil,” and πάσχω (paschō), meaning “to suffer” or “to endure.”
Part of Speech: Verb; it is used to describe the action of enduring hardship or suffering.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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To suffer hardship: Enduring difficult circumstances or experiences.
To endure affliction: Persisting through pain or adversity with perseverance.
To be afflicted: Experiencing or undergoing suffering.

Similar Words: πάσχω (paschō) [PAS-kho] is a similar Greek word that means “to suffer” or “to endure.” While πάσχω is more general in its application to suffering, κακοπαθέω specifically emphasizes suffering under challenging or evil conditions.

Further Insights: κακοπαθέω is a verb that follows the regular conjugation patterns of Greek verbs. Below is the full conjugation of κακοπαθέω in the present active indicative:

Person	Singular	Plural
1st Person	κακοπαθῶ	κακοπαθοῦμεν
2nd Person	κακοπαθεῖς	κακοπαθεῖτε
3rd Person	κακοπαθεῖ	κακοπαθοῦσι(ν)

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines κακοπαθέω as “to suffer hardship” and highlights its usage in exhortative contexts, encouraging believers to endure afflictions.
Thayers: Describes it as “to suffer or endure evils (hardships, troubles),” often used in the New Testament to promote endurance.
Vines: Focuses on its New Testament usage, especially in passages that speak of enduring hardships for faith and righteousness.
LSJ: Notes that κακοπαθέω is used in classical Greek to describe suffering and perseverance through adverse circumstances.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Highlights the term’s emphasis on enduring under evil or challenging conditions, used primarily in exhortations to faithfulness.

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Related Scripture References

2 Timothy 2:3: “Thou therefore endure hardness [κακοπάθησον], as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
James 5:13: “Is any among you afflicted [κακοπαθεῖ]; let him pray. Is any merry; let him sing psalms.”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English text with Greek word
Epictetus	Discourses	“To endure evil (κακοπαθέω) is the hallmark of a philosopher.”
Plato	Republic	“Those who rule must be prepared to suffer (κακοπαθέω) for the city.”
Septuagint	Psalms	“Blessed are they who endure (κακοπαθέω) under trial.”

Summary of κακοπαθέω (G2553)

The Greek verb κακοπαθέω (kakopatheō) is central to understanding the Biblical concept of enduring hardship. It appears in contexts that emphasize the virtue of steadfastness in faith amid trials. In both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, it conveys the idea of perseverance under adverse conditions, a key theme in early Christian teaching and Greek moral philosophy.

Did You Know?

κακοπαθέω is closely related to κακοπάθεια (kakopathia), which also deals with the endurance of suffering but as a noun.
In Stoic philosophy, enduring hardship (κακοπαθέω) is a critical aspect of achieving inner tranquility.
The word emphasizes not just suffering but the active endurance of suffering, making it a powerful exhortation for early Christian communities.