Lexical Summary kakopatheó: To suffer hardship, to endure affliction Original Word: κακοπαθέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance endure afflictions, suffer hardshipFrom the same as kakopatheia; to undergo hardship -- be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble. see GREEK kakopatheia HELPS Word-studies 2553 kakopathéō (from 2556 /kakós, "of a malicious disposition" and 3806 /páthos, "pain") – properly, experiencing painful hardship (suffering) that seems to be a "setback" but really isn't. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kakopatheia Definition to suffer evil NASB Translation endure hardship (1), suffer hardship (1), suffering (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2553: κακοπαθέωκακοπαθέω, κακοπαθῶ; 1 aorist imperative 2 singular κακοπάθησον; (κακοπαθής); to suffer (endure) evils (hardship, troubles); to be afflicted: 2 Timothy 2:9; James 5:13 (Winers Grammar, § 41 a. 3 at the end; cf. § 60, 4 c.; Buttmann, § 139, 28) (the Sept. Jonah 4:10; Xenophon, Plutarch, others); used frequently of the hardships of military service (Thucydides 4, 9; Polybius 3, 72, 5; Josephus, Antiquities 10, 11, 1; b. j. 1, 7, 4); hence, elegantly κακοπάθησον (L T Tr WH συγκακοπαθέω (T WH συν( (which see at the end)) κακοπάθησον) ὡς καλός στρατιώτης, 2 Timothy 2:3; 2 Timothy 4:5. (Compare: συγκακοπαθέω.) Topical Lexicon Kakopatheō (Strong’s Greek 2553) Semantic Range and Nuances Kakopatheō depicts the experience of enduring pain, hardship, or misery in body or mind, especially when such affliction is encountered for the sake of obedience to God. The verb is more than a passive toleration of difficulty; it implies purposeful perseverance that trusts the Lord’s sovereign plan, refuses resentment, and remains spiritually productive while under pressure. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. 2 Timothy 2:9 – Paul writes, “for which I suffer hardship even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained”. Here the apostle links his imprisonment to gospel advance, illustrating that human confinement cannot hinder divine revelation. Theological Themes • Identification with Christ: Believers share in the Messiah’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13). Kakopatheō expresses that union in lived experience. Historical Background: Suffering in Early Christian Community First–century believers faced social ostracism, economic loss, and political persecution. Paul penned 2 Timothy from a Roman dungeon under Nero’s reign; James addressed scattered Jewish Christians navigating hostility within and without the synagogue. Kakopatheō captures this environment—discipleship was costly, yet the church flourished through Spirit-enabled fortitude. Ministry Implications • Pastoral Formation: Leaders are not merely teachers but models of endurance. Timothy’s credibility rested on living what he preached. Practical Application for Believers Today 1. Expect hardship (2 Timothy 3:12) and interpret it through the lens of divine purpose, not personal failure. Related Biblical Concepts • Hypomonē (endurance) – the steadfast attitude that accompanies kakopatheō. Summary Kakopatheō calls the church to a courageous, prayer-filled endurance that mirrors Christ’s own path, fuels gospel advance, and showcases the unstoppable power of the Word of God. Forms and Transliterations Κακοπαθει κακοπαθεί Κακοπαθεῖ κακοπαθησον κακοπάθησον κακοπαθω κακοπαθώ κακοπαθῶ Kakopathei Kakopatheî kakopatheson kakopathēson kakopátheson kakopáthēson kakopatho kakopathô kakopathō kakopathō̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 2:9 V-PIA-1SGRK: ἐν ᾧ κακοπαθῶ μέχρι δεσμῶν NAS: for which I suffer hardship even KJV: Wherein I suffer trouble, as INT: in which I suffer hardship unto chains 2 Timothy 4:5 V-AMA-2S James 5:13 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 2553 |
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