Brief Overview of συμπαθέω (Strong’s G4834: sympatheo)

Strong’s G4834: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and πάθος (feeling, suffering), meaning “to have fellow feeling with, to sympathize.” Used theologically to describe the Messiah’s ability to sympathize with human weaknesses through His own experience of human nature.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπαθέω represents the profound concept of shared feeling or suffering. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with feeling or suffering (πάθος) to express deep emotional identification with another’s experience. In the New Testament, it is particularly significant in describing the Messiah’s relationship with humanity, emphasizing His ability to fully understand and share in human weaknesses and trials. The early church saw this term as crucial in understanding the incarnation and the Messiah’s role as High Priest. Today, it continues to comfort believers with the truth that our High Priest intimately understands our struggles through His own human experience.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπαθέω, sympatheo, /soom-path-eh-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – PATH (stressed) – eh – oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: πάθος (pathos) meaning “feeling, suffering”
• Verbal suffix: -έω (-eo) indicating continuous action
• Derived from adjective συμπαθής (sympathes)

D – Defining Meanings

• To sympathize with
• To share in feeling
• To have compassion for

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates shared experience
The root πάθος contributes the concept of feeling or suffering
The suffix -έω adds the sense of ongoing action
Together they express active participation in another’s feelings

Translation Options:

1. To sympathize – Most direct equivalent, though modern usage may miss depth
2. To suffer with – Emphasizes the sharing of hardship
3. To feel with – Captures the emotional identification aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμπάσχω (sympascho) /soom-pas-kho/ – to suffer with – See G4841
• συμπαθής (sympathes) /soom-path-ace/ – sympathetic – See G4835
• οἰκτίρω (oiktiro) /oyk-tee-ro/ – to have compassion – See G3627

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example English morphing:
Present: sympathize
Future: will sympathize
Past: sympathized
Participle: sympathizing

• Cross-references include the adjective συμπαθής (sympathetic) and noun συμπάθεια (sympathy)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its usage in describing the Messiah’s ability to relate to human weakness. Thayer’s highlights the depth of emotional identification implied. LSJ notes its frequent use in contexts of shared suffering. Vine’s connects it to the Messiah’s priestly ministry. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the sharing in feelings. Moulton and Milligan document its use in contexts of genuine emotional connection.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot [συμπαθέω] sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Additional References:
Hebrews 10:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπαθέω beautifully expresses the Messiah’s deep identification with human experience. It proclaims the good news that we have a High Priest who truly understands our struggles through His own experience. This word reminds us that King Jesus not only saves us but also walks with us in perfect understanding and compassion through every trial.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word is the source of our English word “sympathy” but carries deeper connotations of shared experience.
2. In Hebrews, it’s used specifically to describe a unique quality of the Messiah’s high priestly ministry.
3. The concept was revolutionary in presenting a deity who could truly share human experiences.

Strong’s G4834: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and πάθος (feeling, suffering), meaning “to have fellow feeling with, to sympathize.” Used theologically to describe the Messiah’s ability to sympathize with human weaknesses through His own experience of human nature.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: sympathy, compassion, suffering, high-priest, incarnation, understanding, empathy, humanity-of-christ, identification, temptation, weakness, priesthood​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​