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Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μετριοπαθέω (metriopathew), found in Hebrews 5:2, carries profound theological significance within the New Testament. Understanding this word offers insight into the unique role of the high priest in the context of Old Testament priesthood and its fulfillment in Christ. The concept encapsulated by μετριοπαθέω deals with the idea of moderate emotions, compassion, and understanding toward human weaknesses. The term is crucial for interpreting how a high priest could empathize with the people he represented before God, thus creating a deep connection between leadership and empathy in biblical teaching. This word also provides an excellent window into ancient Greek cultural ideals of emotional moderation and restraint, which were highly valued in classical philosophy.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετριοπαθέω (metriopathew, pronounced meh-tree-oh-pa-THEH-oh)

Etymology: This word is a compound of two Greek elements: μέτριος (metrios), meaning “moderate,” and πάσχω (paschō), meaning “to suffer” or “to experience.” Together, they suggest a balanced or moderate experience of emotion, particularly in the face of suffering.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, μετριοπαθέω refers to an action or a way of responding emotionally, particularly in a moderate or compassionate manner. It carries the nuance of understanding human frailty without being overwhelmed by excessive emotion, but also without being indifferent.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To feel compassion moderately. This meaning applies in the context of a priest who understands the weaknesses of those he serves. It conveys the idea of a compassionate response that is neither overly harsh nor indifferent but is measured and understanding.

Meaning 2: To bear with others’ weaknesses patiently. In Hebrews 5:2, the high priest is described as one who can deal gently with those who are ignorant and wayward, indicating that μετριοπαθέω encompasses the concept of patience and empathy in leadership.

Exploring Similar Words

συμπαθέω (sympatheō, pronounced soom-pa-THEH-oh): This word, meaning “to sympathize” or “to suffer with,” is similar in that it involves an emotional response to others’ suffering. However, it is more intense and focused on direct empathy and shared suffering, whereas μετριοπαθέω emphasizes a balanced response.

συγκαταβαίνω (sygkatabainō, pronounced soong-ka-ta-BAI-noh): This term means “to condescend” or “to come down to the level of another.” While it shares the concept of empathy or understanding, μετριοπαθέω focuses on moderation rather than condescension.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, μετριοπαθέω follows the typical Greek verb conjugation pattern, shifting according to tense, voice, and mood. Below is an example of its Present Indicative form:

This verb can appear in various tenses, depending on the context, reflecting the different temporal aspects of the action.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons generally define μετριοπαθέω as an ability to moderate one’s passions, particularly in the context of dealing with others’ weaknesses. It is often connected to the role of the high priest, who must strike a balance between empathy and authority. The word is associated with the theological concept of Christ’s priesthood, where Jesus is depicted as the perfect high priest who can fully sympathize with humanity’s weaknesses. Classical Greek sources also suggest that μετριοπαθέω reflects the ideal of emotional moderation, a concept highly valued in ancient philosophical schools such as Stoicism and Aristotelian ethics, which emphasized balance in all things.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Hebrews 5:2: “He can deal gently [μετριοπαθεῖ] with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μετριοπαθέω plays a key role in understanding the New Testament concept of the compassionate, yet balanced, high priest. In Hebrews 5:2, it describes the ability of a high priest to deal gently with those who are weak or ignorant, highlighting the need for empathy in leadership. This concept of measured compassion reflects both biblical theology and classical Greek thought, where moderation in all things, especially emotion, was seen as a virtue. Understanding μετριοπαθέω provides a clearer picture of how biblical texts portray leadership, compassion, and human frailty.

Did You Know?

• The idea of moderation in emotion (μετριοπαθέω) was highly valued in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in Stoicism, where balance was seen as a hallmark of wisdom.
• In Hebrews 5:2, μετριοπαθέω is used specifically to describe how the high priest deals with others’ failings—this underscores the priestly role of mediating between God and humans with compassion.
• The word μετριοπαθέω is unique to biblical literature and classical philosophy, but its roots are deeply connected to the broader Greek cultural ideals of balanced emotional responses in life and leadership.