Lexical Summary metriopatheó: To be moderate in passion, to show forbearance, to have compassion Original Word: μετριοπαθέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance have compassion. From a compound of the base of metrios and pathos; to be moderate in passion, i.e. Gentle (to treat indulgently) -- have compassion. see GREEK metrios see GREEK pathos HELPS Word-studies 3356 metriopathéō(from metrios, "mediating," derived from metri, "an instrument for measuring" and 3806 /páthos, "feeling") – properly, to feel appropriately, i.e. with divinely-measured intensity ("God-controlled moderation"). 3356 /metriopathéō ("feel with divinely-measured intensity") expresses discriminating feeling (empathy) which is not too severe or too tolerant. 3356 (metriopathéō), used only in Heb 5:2, ultimately refers to the ministry of Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as metriós and pathos Definition to hold one's emotions in restraint NASB Translation deal gently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3356: μετριοπαθέωμετριοπαθέω, μετριοπάθω; ((cf. Winer's Grammar, 101 (95)); from μετριοπαθής, adhering to the true measure in one's passions or emotions; ἔφη (viz., Aristotle) τόν σοφόν μή εἶναι μέν ἀπαθη, μετριοπαθη δέ, (Diogenes Laërtius 5, 31; μετριοπαθεια, moderation in passions or emotions, especially anger and grief, is opposed to the ἀπάθεια of the Stoics; from μέτριος and πάθος); equivalent to μετρίως or κατά τό μέτρον πάσχω, to be affected moderately or in due measure; to preserve moderation in the passions, especially in anger or grief (Philo de Abrah. § 44; de Josepho § 5; (Josephus, Antiquities 12, 3, 2; others)); hence, of one who is not unduly disturbed by the errors, faults, sins, of others, but bears with them gently; like other verbs of emotion (cf. Krüger, § 48, 8), with a dative of the person toward whom the feeling is exercised: Hebrews 5:2; cf. the full discussion by Bleek at the passage. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept Metriopathein denotes the temperate, measured sympathy that feels with another without being swept away by passion. Rather than mere sentimentality, it is the disciplined capacity to enter another’s weakness while remaining spiritually steady. The term therefore blends compassion with self-control, aligning closely with the fruit of the Spirit—“gentleness” and “self-control” (Galatians 5:23). Context in Hebrews 5:2 Hebrews 5:1-2 sets the word in its only New Testament occurrence: “Every high priest… is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness”. Two key ideas emerge: 1. Identification: The high priest shares the frailty of those he serves. The author contrasts this qualified, sympathetic service with Christ’s perfect priesthood, in which the Son, though sinless, “has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Metriopathein therefore becomes a bridge between human weakness and divine mercy. Relation to the Old Testament Priesthood Old Covenant priests daily witnessed sin offerings and bore the people’s iniquity (Leviticus 10:17). Their own frailty ensured they could approach sinners without arrogant distance. The Septuagint employs related language when describing Aaron’s garments “for glory and for beauty,” symbolizing dignity joined to humble service (Exodus 28:2). Hebrews re-voices that balance: honor before God coupled with compassion toward people. Christological Significance Jesus Christ embodies the fullest expression of metriopathein. Though impeccably holy, He “took on the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7) and “learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). His sympathy is never indulgent; it is redemptive. At Gethsemane He feels the anguish of human dread, yet surrenders to the Father’s will. At Calvary He prays, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Such measured compassion simultaneously confronts sin and offers salvation. Pastoral and Congregational Application 1. Shepherding: Elders must instruct erring believers “with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:25), mirroring the high priest’s approach. Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Believers cultivate this virtue through: Historical Commentary and Usage Early church fathers highlighted the term. Chrysostom saw in it the golden mean between stoic apathy and uncontrolled pity. Augustine noted that true pastoral care “loves the sinner while hating the sin,” echoing Hebrews’ vision. Reformers such as Calvin emphasized that ministers must feel the burden of the flock to preach with “humane moderation.” Theological Implications Metriopathein safeguards two doctrines: Practical Ministry Considerations • Preaching should expose sin but always direct hearers to Christ’s compassionate intercession. Summary Strong’s Greek 3356, appearing once in Hebrews 5:2, illumines the priestly balance of compassion and restraint. Rooted in the character of Christ, metriopathein shapes pastoral practice, congregational life, and personal discipleship, calling every believer to a sympathy that is both tender and anchored in the holiness and truth of God. Forms and Transliterations μετριοπαθειν μετριοπαθείν μετριοπαθεῖν metriopathein metriopatheînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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