4834. sumpatheó

Lexicon

sumpatheó: To sympathize, to have compassion, to suffer with

Original Word: συμπαθέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sumpatheó
Pronunciation: soom-path-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (soom-path-eh'-o)
Definition: To sympathize, to have compassion, to suffer with
Meaning: I sympathize with, have compassion on.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sympathize, have compassion

From sumpathes; to feel "sympathy" with, i.e. (by implication) to commiserate -- have compassion, be touched with a feeling of.

see GREEK sumpathes

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sumpathés
Definition
to have a fellow feeling with, i.e. sympathize with
NASB Translation
showed sympathy (1), sympathize (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4834: συμπαθέω

συμπαθέω (T WH συνπαθέω (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συμπάθω: 1 aorist συνεπάθησα; (συμπαθής);

a. to be affected with the same feeling as another, to sympathize with (Aristotle, Plutarch).

b. in reference to the wretched, to feel for, have compassion on, (Vulg.compatior): τίνι, Hebrews 4:15 (A. V. to be touched with the feeling of); Hebrews 10:34 (Isocrates, p. 64 b.; Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From σύν (syn, "with") and πάσχω (paschō, "to suffer")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to συμπαθέω, the concept of compassion and shared suffering is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. Some related Hebrew terms include:
• רָחַם (racham, Strong's 7355): To have compassion, to show mercy.
• נָחַם (nacham, Strong's 5162): To comfort, to console.
• חָנַן (chanan, Strong's 2603): To be gracious, to show favor.

These Hebrew terms reflect the broader biblical theme of compassion and empathy, which is echoed in the New Testament usage of συμπαθέω.

Usage: The term συμπαθέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of sharing in the suffering of others, showing compassion, or being moved by the plight of another. It conveys a deep sense of empathy and emotional connection with those who are experiencing hardship or pain.

Context: The Greek verb συμπαθέω appears in the New Testament to express the concept of empathy and shared suffering. It is a compound word, combining σύν (syn), meaning "with," and πάσχω (paschō), meaning "to suffer." This construction highlights the idea of suffering alongside someone, indicating a profound level of compassion and understanding.

In the Berean Standard Bible, συμπαθέω is notably used in Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." This passage emphasizes the empathetic nature of Christ as the High Priest, who fully understands human frailty and temptation, having experienced them Himself without succumbing to sin. This portrayal of Christ as sympathetic and compassionate provides believers with comfort and assurance of His understanding and support.

The concept of συμπαθέω is integral to the Christian ethos of love and compassion, encouraging believers to emulate Christ's example by showing empathy and support to those in distress. It underscores the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ, as believers are called to bear one another's burdens and to rejoice and weep with each other (cf. Romans 12:15).

Forms and Transliterations

συμπαθήσαι συμπαθῆσαι συνεπαθησατε συνεπαθήσατε συνπαθησαι συνπαθῆσαι sumpathesai sumpathēsai sunepathesate sunepathēsate sympathesai sympathêsai sympathēsai sympathē̂sai synepathesate synepathēsate synepathḗsate

Englishman's Concordance

Hebrews 4:15 V-ANA
GRK: μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις
NAS: cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
KJV: which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
INT: not able to sympathize with the weaknesses

Hebrews 10:34 V-AIA-2P
GRK: τοῖς δεσμίοις συνεπαθήσατε καὶ τὴν
NAS: For you showed sympathy to the prisoners
KJV: For ye had compassion of me in my
INT: to the prisoners you sympathized and the

Strong's Greek 4834
2 Occurrences

συμπαθῆσαι — 1 Occ.
συνεπαθήσατε — 1 Occ.