πάσχω (paschō)
paschō
to suffer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 41 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paschō describes being acted upon rather than acting oneself, capturing a fundamental passivity in human experience. In the New Testament, it most frequently refers to enduring hardship or pain, as when Jesus predicts His own suffering in Luke 9:22 or when Paul speaks of the body’s shared pain in 1 Corinthians 12:26. This usage highlights the reality of being subject to external forces, whether physical illness, persecution, or emotional distress.
While the word often carries a negative tone, it is not exclusively about misery. The sources note that paschō can describe pleasant experiences when qualified by context, such as in Galatians 3:4 where believers are said to have "suffered" good things through the Spirit. This broader range shows that the term simply denotes receiving an impression or undergoing a state, whether painful or beneficial, distinguishing it from active verbs that imply agency.
A significant theological weight attaches to this word in 1 Peter, where it becomes central to understanding Christian identity. Peter uses paschō to connect believers’ experiences of unjust suffering directly to Christ’s passion (1 Peter 2:21; 3:18). By framing endurance as a form of "suffering" that mirrors Jesus, the text transforms passive endurance into an active participation in the gospel narrative, offering a framework for finding meaning in trials.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word paschō describes a state of being acted upon, capturing the reality that we are often subjects rather than authors of our circumstances. It covers the full spectrum of human experience, from the physical pain of illness to the deep grief of loss, but also extends to the positive experiences of grace and spiritual growth. This breadth reminds us that every season—whether marked by hardship or by unexpected blessings—is something we receive from God’s hand.
In the New Testament, this term carries profound theological weight, particularly in how it connects our lives to Jesus Christ. Peter invites believers to see their own trials not as random misfortunes, but as a participation in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 2:21). This perspective does not minimize pain; instead, it anchors it in the narrative of redemption, offering a framework where endurance becomes a shared journey with the Savior who understands our weakness.
When you face difficulties or even moments of profound joy, remember that you are part of a larger story. The Bible encourages us to view these experiences as opportunities for deeper reliance on God and closer fellowship with other believers. There is comfort in knowing that your feelings are valid, your struggles are seen, and your life is woven into the enduring hope of Christ’s resurrection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 41 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to suffer8×
- suffering5×
- having suffered3×
- to have suffered2×
- suffered2×
- you would suffer1×
- you suffer;1×
- to suffer;1×
- to suffer.1×
- to suffe;1×
- they have suffered?1×
- suffers;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παθεῖν10×
- ἔπαθεν3×
- πάσχειν3×
- ἐπάθετε2×
- πάσχων2×
- πάσχοντες2×
- ἔπαθον1×
- ἔπαθεν.1×
- ἔπαθεν,1×
- πέπονθεν1×
- πάσχω,1×
- πάσχομεν,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:22
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.”
Here Jesus predicts His own fate, establishing suffering as a necessary part of the Messiah’s mission and identity.
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Philippians 1:29
Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
Paul frames suffering on Christ’s behalf not as a curse, but as a specific privilege granted by God alongside faith itself.
-
Galatians 3:4
Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?
This rare positive usage shows the word can describe receiving beneficial spiritual experiences, such as the grace of the Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word paschō mean?
How is paschō different from other words for suffering?
Why does Jesus use this word in Luke 9:22?
Can this word refer to positive experiences?
Every Occurrence (41 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 4 verses
From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,…
Matthew 17:12but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…
Matthew 17:15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…
Matthew 27:19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…