Lexical Summary pathos: Passion, suffering, lust Original Word: πάθος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance inordinate affection, lust. From the alternate of pascho; properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence) -- (inordinate) affection, lust. see GREEK pascho HELPS Word-studies 3806 páthos (from 3958 /pásxō, "having strong feelings") – properly, raw, strong feelings (emotions) which are not guided by God (like consuming lust). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paschó Definition that which befalls one, a passion, a suffering NASB Translation passion (2), passions (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3806: πάθοςπάθος, πάθους, τό (παθεῖν, πάσχω), from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; equivalent to πάθημα (which see; (the latter differs from πάθος (if at all) only in being the more individualizing and concrete term; cf. Schmidt, Synonym, chapter 24 § 11)); 1. whatever befalls one, whether it be sad or joyous; specifically, a calamity, mishap, evil, affliction. 2. a feeling which the mind suffers, an affection of the mind, emotion, passion; passionate desire; used by the Greeks in either a good or a bad sense (cf. Aristotle, eth. Nic. 2, 4 (cf. Cope, Introduction to Aristotles Rhet., p. 133f; and his note on rhet. 2, 22, 16)). In the N. T. in a bad sense, depraved passion: Colossians 3:5; πάθη ἀτιμίας, vile passions, Romans 1:26 (see ἀτιμία); ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας (in the passion of lust), genitive of apposit. (Winer's Grammar, § 59, 8 a.), 1 Thessalonians 4:5. Strong’s Greek 3806 (πάθος) denotes a powerful inner impulse operating apart from godly restraint—an emotion so dominant that it pushes the will toward morally corrupt actions. While classical writers could use the term neutrally for deep feeling, the New Testament employs it exclusively of passions that have broken loose from the control of a God-oriented mind. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Hebrew Scripture seldom separates desire from action; cravings that ignore the LORD’s covenant are branded “evil” (Genesis 6:5). By the Second Temple era Jewish teachers were warning that illicit appetites, once indulged, enslave the heart (Sirach 23:6). Thus the soil was prepared for the apostolic warning that πάθος is a force hostile to holiness. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Romans 1:26 identifies πάθη ἀτιμίας as a chief evidence of divine wrath in the present age: “For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions”. By suppressing truth, humanity is handed over to inner drives that degrade both body and soul. 2. 1 Thessalonians 4:5 contrasts the Christian’s calling to sanctification with Gentile behavior: “not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God”. Ignorance of God leaves the conscience defenseless against πάθος; knowledge of God arms the believer to resist. 3. Colossians 3:5 commands decisive action: “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry”. Here πάθος appears in a vice-list that moves from outward acts to inward orientations, showing that unchecked passion underlies visible sin. Theological Significance 1. Evidence of the Fall Πάθος is not a neutral human emotion but a symptom of Adamic corruption (Romans 5:12). It testifies that sin is more than isolated deeds; it is a power gripping the affections. 2. Clash of Kingdoms The Spirit produces self-control (Galatians 5:23). Πάθος stands in direct opposition to that fruit, highlighting the cosmic contest between “the flesh” and the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). 3. Idolatrous Center Colossians links πάθος to greed, “which is idolatry,” exposing disordered passion as a worship problem. What the heart loves supremely rules it (Matthew 6:21). Historical Reception • Early church fathers—Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian—identified unbridled passion as a mark of pagan culture and a threat to Christian witness. Practical Ministry Application 1. Discipleship Teaching on πάθος equips believers to recognize that many contemporary entertainment and advertising appeals target fallen passions. Romans 6:12 calls the church to offer the body as an instrument of righteousness, not of lust. 2. Pastoral Counseling Habitual sexual sin often masks deeper heart-level πάθος. Counsel must move beyond behavior modification to address worship disorders, employing Scripture, prayer, accountability, and renewed mind patterns (Romans 12:1-2). 3. Evangelism Romans 1 demonstrates that the gospel exposes and remedies dishonorable passions. Presenting Christ as the only liberator from enslaving desires safeguards evangelism from merely moralistic messaging. Contrast with Godly Affection Scripture does not condemn all strong feeling. Jesus’ compassion (Matthew 9:36) and Paul’s deep yearning (Philippians 1:8) show holy emotion. The decisive factor is orientation: godly affection flows from love of God and neighbor, whereas πάθος exalts self and degrades others. Conclusion Strong’s 3806 warns that passion detached from reverence for God becomes a destructive master. Yet the same passages that expose πάθος also proclaim the remedy: union with Christ, the indwelling Spirit, and deliberate mortification of the flesh. Through these means believers are enabled to exchange dishonorable passions for holy love, fulfilling the creational design of heart, mind, and body. Englishman's Concordance Romans 1:26 N-ANPGRK: θεὸς εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας αἵ NAS: to degrading passions; for their women KJV: unto vile affections: for even INT: God to passions of dishonor Colossians 3:5 N-ANS 1 Thessalonians 4:5 N-DNS Strong's Greek 3806 |
    |