Lexical Summary sugkakopatheó: To suffer together, to endure hardship with Original Word: συγκακοπαθέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance suffer togetherFrom sun and kakopatheo; to suffer hardship in company with -- be partaker of afflictions. see GREEK sun see GREEK kakopatheo HELPS Word-studies 4777 sygkakopathéō (from 4862 /sýn, "identified closely with" and 2553 /kakopathéō, "to suffer harm") – properly, suffer together because closely-identified; to endure hardship with someone as a co-sufferer, i.e. as a true partner (comrade). 4777 /sygkakopathéō ("suffer together") refers to sharing another's ill treatment and the pains that go with it. It is only used in 2 Tim 1:8. [K. Wuest, "The A. V. fails to take note of the prefixed proposition syn which means 'with.') Paul is exhorting Timothy to endure hardships with him. Expositors suggests the translation, 'Take your part in suffering hardship' " (Word Studies, Vol 2, Pastoral Epistles, 2 Timothy, 129.)] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and kakopatheó Definition to bear evil treatment along with NASB Translation join with...in suffering (1), suffer hardship (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4777: συγκακοπαθέωσυγκακοπαθέω (T WH συνκακοπαθέω (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συγκακοπάθω: 1 aorist imperative συγκακοπάθησον; (see κακοπαθέω); to suffer hardships together with one: 2 Timothy 2:3 L T Tr WH; with a dative commodi added, τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ for the benefit of the gospel, to further it, 2 Timothy 1:8. (Ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Usage Strong’s 4777 captures the summons to “suffer hardship together with” someone. Both New Testament appearances occur in Paul’s final letter, where the apostle urges Timothy to share in the cost of gospel proclamation. The term is not a general call to endurance but a deliberate invitation to stand alongside another believer under pressure for Christ’s sake. Context in 2 Timothy Paul writes from a Roman cell, aware that his earthly race is nearly finished (2 Timothy 4:6 – 8). Against that backdrop he commands Timothy: “Join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:8) “Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3) The repeated imperative frames the entire epistle. The charge to guard sound doctrine (1:13 – 14), train faithful leaders (2:2) and preach the word (4:2) is inseparable from a willingness to embrace opposition. Historical Background Nero’s hostility toward Christians had intensified after the great fire of Rome in AD 64. By the mid-60s, public suspicion, sporadic arrests and executions were common in the empire’s capital. Though Ephesus, where Timothy ministered, lay hundreds of miles east, the ripples of persecution were felt across Asia Minor. Paul’s imprisonment thus stood as a living illustration: gospel service could cost one’s freedom—and life. Theological Significance 1. Fellowship with Christ Paul routinely ties suffering with union in Christ’s death and resurrection (Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:17). Strong’s 4777 extends that fellowship horizontally: believers share Christ’s afflictions by standing with His servants. 2. Evidence of Authentic Discipleship Far from contradicting divine favor, hardship validates the genuine nature of faith (Acts 14:22; 1 Peter 4:12-14). Timothy’s willingness to “suffer together” would affirm his calling as an evangelist and shepherd. 3. Empowerment by Grace Both occurrences embed the command in divine enablement: “by the power of God” (1:8) and within the military metaphor of a soldier under orders (2:3-4). Human resolve alone cannot meet the demand; grace makes co-suffering possible. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Mentoring: Seasoned leaders model costly obedience; younger workers learn not only doctrine but the endurance that sustains it. Practical Application Today Believers may not face first-century tribunals, yet ridicule, social marginalization and legislative pressure still confront those who hold biblical convictions. Strong’s 4777 invites modern Timothy-like servants to: – Stand publicly with persecuted brethren worldwide (Hebrews 13:3). – Refuse shame regarding Christ’s testimony in academic, corporate and digital spaces. – Expect hardship as normal Christian experience, preparing hearts early rather than reacting in surprise. Related Concepts • sympaschō (Romans 8:17) – “suffer with” Christ. Summary Strong’s 4777 encapsulates Paul’s clarion call to participate in another’s gospel-provoked afflictions. Rooted in union with Christ and empowered by God’s grace, this shared suffering authenticates ministry, deepens fellowship, and advances the kingdom through every generation willing to “suffer hardship together” for the sake of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations συγκακοπάθησον συνκακοπαθησον συνκακοπάθησον sunkakopatheson sunkakopathēson synkakopatheson synkakopathēson syn'kakopátheson syn'kakopáthēsonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 1:8 V-AMA-2SGRK: αὐτοῦ ἀλλὰ συνκακοπάθησον τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ NAS: of me His prisoner, but join with [me] in suffering for the gospel KJV: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel INT: of him but suffer evils along with the gospel 2 Timothy 2:3 V-AMA-2S |
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