Understanding ἀσθένημα (asthenema) Strong’s G771: The Profound Joy and Strength in Bearing Another’s Weakness

Pronunciation Guide: ah-sthen’-ay-mah (emphasis on ‘then’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G771: A moral or spiritual weakness, infirmity, or frailty that requires support and understanding from stronger believers. The term specifically denotes areas where faith or conscience may be underdeveloped, requiring patient bearing and strengthening from more mature believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἀσθενέω (astheneō, “to be weak”)
• Root: α- (negative prefix) + σθένος (sthenos, “strength”)
• Primary usage in teaching passages related to church unity and mutual support
• Rare in New Testament (only appears once)

ἀσθένημα Morphology:

• ἀσθένημα (nominative/accusative singular) – weakness, infirmity
• ἀσθενήματος (genitive singular) – of weakness
• ἀσθενήματι (dative singular) – in/with weakness

Origin & History

The term ἀσθένημα emerged from classical Greek medical literature where it described physical weakness or illness. In the Hellenistic period, it began to take on metaphorical meanings related to moral and spiritual frailty. While the verb form ἀσθενέω appears frequently in Greek literature, including works by Hippocrates in his medical treatises, the specific noun form ἀσθένημα is relatively rare.

The concept gained particular significance in early Christian writings. Church fathers like Chrysostom, in his homilies on Romans, emphasized how this term reflected the Messiah’s example of bearing others’ weaknesses, connecting it to His sacrificial love.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A specific instance or manifestation of weakness in faith or practice
• A scruple or limitation in understanding that requires patient support
• An area of spiritual vulnerability requiring strengthening

ἀσθένημα Translation Options:

• “Weakness” – Emphasizes the fundamental meaning but may miss the specific moral/spiritual context
• “Infirmity” – Captures both physical and spiritual dimensions of weakness
• “Frailty” – Highlights the delicate nature requiring careful handling
• “Scruple” – Specifically addresses the conscience/conviction aspect

Biblical Usage

The term ἀσθένημα appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 15:1, where Paul instructs stronger believers to bear the weaknesses of those without strength. This singular usage is significant, as it occurs in a crucial passage about unity and mutual support within the body of believers.

While the noun form appears only once, the related verb ἀσθενέω and adjective ἀσθενής appear frequently throughout the New Testament, creating a rich theological framework for understanding weakness and strength in the kingdom of God.

Biblical Cross References (Related Forms):

• “We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses [ἀσθένημα] of those without strength” Romans 15:1
• “For when I am weak [ἀσθενέω], then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12:10
• “God has chosen the weak [ἀσθενής] things of the world” 1 Corinthians 1:27

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, weakness was viewed as a significant shame to be hidden or overcome. The Greco-Roman ideal celebrated strength and self-sufficiency. However, the Messiah’s teaching and example revolutionized this perspective, elevating weakness as a potential vessel for Divine power and community building.

This cultural transformation particularly resonated with the Jewish understanding of chesed (loving-kindness), where supporting the weak was seen as a reflection of יהוה (Yahweh)’s character. The term ἀσθένημα thus bridges Greek and Hebrew thought, embodying both the reality of human frailty and the divine call to mutual support.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀσθένημα in Romans 15:1 reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of spiritual maturity and community. True strength in God’s kingdom is demonstrated not by independence or dominance, but by the willing bearing of others’ weaknesses.

This concept directly mirrors the Messiah’s own ministry, where He consistently demonstrated strength through serving and supporting the weak. It challenges the human tendency to view weakness as failure, instead presenting it as an opportunity for divine power and community building.

The placement of this term in Romans, following Paul’s extensive discussion of conscience and conviction in chapters 14-15, suggests that ἀσθένημα particularly relates to areas where believers may have different levels of spiritual understanding or conviction.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀσθένημα calls us to a dual response: honest acknowledgment of our own weaknesses and willing support of others in their areas of vulnerability. This creates a beautiful cycle of mutual dependence and growth within the body of believers.

When we encounter those whose faith appears weaker in certain areas, our response should not be judgment or impatience, but rather the gentle, sustained support that allows for growth and strengthening. This might mean temporarily limiting our own freedom for the sake of others’ growth, following the Messiah’s example of sacrificial love.

Related Words

• ἀσθενέω (astheneō) – To be weak, sick, or powerless; emphasizes the ongoing state or action of being weak See G770
• ἀσθενής (asthenēs) – Weak, infirm, sick; describes the characteristic of weakness See G772
• ἀσθένεια (astheneia) – Weakness, sickness, frailty; refers to the general condition or state of weakness See G769
• ἀδύνατος (adynatos) – Impossible, powerless, weak; emphasizes inability or impossibility See G102

Did you Know?

• The word ἀσθένημα appears in ancient medical texts describing symptoms that required ongoing care and support from others, paralleling its spiritual usage in the New Testament.
• The concept of bearing others’ weaknesses was revolutionary in the Greco-Roman world, where weakness was typically viewed as a character flaw to be eliminated rather than supported.
• Modern psychological research has begun to recognize the importance of “bearing with” others’ weaknesses in building resilient communities, echoing the ancient wisdom of this biblical concept.

Remember This

ἀσθένημα reminds us that in God’s kingdom, true strength is measured not by personal power, but by our capacity to bear with and support others in their weakness.