G3806

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word πάθος (páthos) refers primarily to “passion” or “suffering” and encompasses a range of meanings related to strong emotions, experiences of suffering, and desires. In the New Testament, it often pertains to intense feelings that can lead to moral or ethical implications. The term appears in various contexts, with Romans 1:26 being a notable example where it describes the consequences of turning away from God. The significance of πάθος lies not only in its emotional connotation but also in its ethical implications regarding how humans relate to one another and to divine expectations.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: πάθος, pronounced [PAH-thos].

Etymology: The word derives from the verb πάσχω (páskhō), which means “to suffer” or “to experience.” This connection emphasizes the experiential aspect of emotions and passions as they relate to human suffering and moral decisions.

Part of Speech: πάθος is a noun, typically classified as neuter in gender. It can be used in various grammatical forms, often appearing in both singular and plural contexts, depending on the usage.

Defining Meanings

Passion: The primary meaning of πάθος is “passion,” referring to intense emotions that can drive behavior. This encompasses a wide range of feelings, including love, anger, and desire, highlighting the depth of human emotional experience.

Suffering: Another significant meaning is “suffering,” indicating the state of experiencing pain or distress. This is particularly relevant in discussions of personal struggles or trials.

Moral and Ethical Implications: πάθος can also denote the consequences of unchecked passions, particularly in a moral or ethical sense. This aspect emphasizes the potential for emotions to lead to sinful behavior if not managed appropriately.

Exploring Similar Words

πάσχω (páskhō) [PAHS-kho]: This verb means “to suffer” and focuses on the action of experiencing suffering. In contrast, πάθος refers to the state or condition of that suffering.

παθηματικός (pathēmatikós) [pa-thay-ma-TEE-kos]: This adjective translates to “suffering” or “pertaining to suffering,” and is often used to describe characteristics or qualities associated with emotional pain.

ἐπιθυμία (epithymía) [ep-ee-thoo-MEE-ah]: This noun means “desire” or “yearning” and is more focused on the craving aspect of passion, while πάθος encompasses a broader range of emotions, including those that lead to suffering.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: πάθος is typically used in the nominative case. It can appear in both singular (πάθος) and plural forms (πάθη). It is neuter in gender.

• Declension: As a noun, πάθος belongs to the second declension in Greek, following the standard patterns of noun endings according to its case and number.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term πάθος is significant in both classical and New Testament Greek, reflecting deep philosophical and theological understandings of human emotion and suffering. Lexicons emphasize its relevance in discussions about moral integrity and the human condition. The usage of πάθος often indicates a dual nature of human experiences—while passion can lead to profound connections, it also has the potential to result in moral failings. This tension highlights the necessity of self-control and ethical behavior in the face of strong emotions.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Romans 1:26: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections [πάθος]: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.”

Colossians 3:5: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection [πάθος], evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

1 Thessalonians 4:5: “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Plato, Phaedo: “The sufferings [πάθος] of the soul in the body lead it to seek truth beyond appearances.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Rhetoric: “The passions [πάθος] can influence judgment and morality in the minds of the populace.”

Example 3: Euripides, Hippolytus: “In our emotions [πάθος], we encounter both the essence of our humanity and the essence of our flaws.”

Septuagint Example 1: Job 30:22: “Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance [πάθος].”

Septuagint Example 2: Psalms 119:143: “Trouble and anguish [πάθος] have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.”

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 53:3: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows [πάθος], and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term πάθος (páthos) encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings related to passion, suffering, and the moral implications of human emotion. It invites reflection on the complexity of human experience and the need for ethical consideration in the face of powerful feelings.

Did You Know?

1. πάθος is a term frequently associated with discussions of morality in the context of strong emotions, emphasizing the need for self-control.

2. In classical literature, it often appears in philosophical discussions about the nature of human emotions and their impact on behavior.

3. The dual nature of πάθος highlights its potential to connect or destroy, depending on how individuals manage their emotions.

Strong’s G3806: πάθος (páthos) signifies “passion” or “suffering,” reflecting the complex interplay of human emotions and the moral implications of experiencing strong feelings.