Brief Overview of συγκακοπαθέω (Strong’s G4777: sugkakopatheo)

Strong’s G4777: A compound verb meaning “to suffer hardship together with.” From σύν (with), κακός (evil/trouble), and πάθος (suffering). Used in contexts of shared suffering for the gospel, particularly emphasizing the voluntary endurance of hardship in fellowship with other believers and the Messiah.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκακοπαθέω encompasses the profound concept of shared suffering in the context of Christian ministry and discipleship. The word uniquely combines the ideas of fellowship, hardship, and endurance, emphasizing how believers participate together in suffering for the gospel. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to encourage Timothy to join in bearing hardship for the sake of the Messiah. Early church fathers saw this word as emblematic of authentic Christian community and discipleship. Today, it continues to challenge believers to embrace shared suffering as a natural part of following the Messiah and supporting fellow believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκακοπαθέω, sugkakopatheo, /soong-kak-op-ath-eh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kak (as in “pack”) – op (as in “hop”) – ath (as in “path”) – EH-o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κακός (kakos) meaning “evil, trouble”
• πάθος (pathos) root meaning “suffering, experience”
• -έω (-eo) verbal suffix
• Combined meaning: “to experience hardship together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To suffer hardship together
• To endure affliction with others
• To share in troubles for the gospel

For compound words:

• σύν indicates shared experience
• κακο- provides the concept of hardship
• -παθέω indicates experiencing or enduring

Translation Options:

• “To suffer hardship together” – Most precise translation
• “To endure affliction with” – Emphasizes the sharing aspect
• “To join in bearing hardships” – Highlights voluntary participation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κακοπαθέω (kakopatheo) /kak-op-ath-eh’-o/ – to suffer hardship See G2553
• συμπάσχω (sumpascho) /soom-pas’-kho/ – to suffer with See G4841
• συγκοινωνέω (sugkoinoneo) /soong-koy-no-neh’-o/ – to share with See G4790

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative
• Person: Second
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:

• Aorist Imperative: συγκακοπάθησον (suffer hardship with!)
• Present Active: συγκακοπαθῶ (I am suffering hardship with)
• Aorist Infinitive: συγκακοπαθεῖν (to suffer hardship with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of shared ministerial hardship. Thayer’s notes its specific application to gospel suffering. LSJ traces limited classical usage. Vine’s highlights its connection to discipleship. Strong’s connects it to voluntary participation in others’ trials. LEH notes its absence in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan discuss its rare occurrence in non-biblical texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Timothy 1:8: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with me [συγκακοπαθέω] for the gospel according to the power of God.”

Additional References:
2 Timothy 2:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκακοπαθέω powerfully captures the reality of Christian fellowship in suffering. It reminds us that following the Messiah involves not only sharing in His sufferings but also supporting fellow believers in their trials. This word proclaims that the good news of King Jesus includes both the call to and the grace for shared suffering in His name.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only in Paul’s pastoral letters
• It was rarely used in secular Greek literature
• Early martyrs used this term to describe their shared suffering for the faith

Strong’s G4777: A compound verb meaning “to suffer hardship together with.” From σύν (with), κακός (evil/trouble), and πάθος (suffering). Used in contexts of shared suffering for the gospel, particularly emphasizing the voluntary endurance of hardship in fellowship with other believers and the Messiah.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: suffering, hardship, fellowship, persecution, christian-community, endurance, discipleship, paul, timothy, pastoral-epistles, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​