συμπαθής (sumpathēs)
sumpathēs
sympathetic
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective sumpathēs describes a deep capacity to share in another’s feelings or suffering. Derived from the prefix sym ("with") and pathos ("feeling" or "suffering"), it literally means "feeling with." In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in 1 Peter 3:8, where it stands as a key characteristic of Christian unity.
Its usage here goes beyond simple pity. It suggests an emotional resonance that allows one person to truly enter into the experience of another. This aligns with its appearance in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, such as in Job 29:25, where it conveys a sense of shared mourning or compassionate engagement.
Translators typically render this word as "sympathetic" or "compassionate." The term emphasizes an active emotional connection rather than a detached observation. By calling believers to be sumpathēs, the text highlights the importance of mutual understanding and shared burden-bearing within the community of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumpathēs invites us into a profound connection with others. It means sharing in their feelings, especially when they are hurting. This is not just feeling sorry for someone from a distance. It is about entering into their experience and standing with them.
In 1 Peter 3:8, this quality is listed alongside being like-minded and courteous. It suggests that true Christian unity requires emotional presence. When we practice this, we bear each other's burdens and reflect the heart of Christ to a world in need of genuine care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sympathetic,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμπαθεῖς,1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,
This verse uniquely pairs sumpathēs with like-mindedness and courtesy, showing that shared feeling is essential for maintaining harmony within the Christian community.