4835. sumpathés

Lexicon

sumpathés: Sympathetic, compassionate

Original Word: συμπαθής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: sumpathés
Pronunciation: soom-path-ACE
Phonetic Spelling: (soom-path-ace')
Definition: Sympathetic, compassionate
Meaning: sympathizing, compassionate.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sympathetic, understanding

From sumpascho; having a fellow-feeling ("sympathetic"), i.e. (by implication) mutually commiserative -- having compassion one of another.

see GREEK sumpascho

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sun and paschó
Definition
sympathetic
NASB Translation
sympathetic (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4835: συμπαθής

συμπαθής, συμπαθες (σύν and πάσχω), suffering or feeling the like with another, sympathetic: 1 Peter 3:8, cf. Romans 12:15. (Aristotle, Theophrastus, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from σύν (syn, "with") and πάσχω (paschō, "to suffer").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for συμπαθής, the concept of compassion and empathy is reflected in several Hebrew terms, such as רַחוּם (rachum, Strong's 7349) meaning "compassionate," and חֶסֶד (chesed, Strong's 2617) often translated as "loving-kindness" or "mercy." These terms capture the essence of God's compassionate nature and the expected response of His people towards one another.

Usage: The term συμπαθής is used in the New Testament to describe a quality of empathy and shared feeling, particularly in the context of Christian community and relationships.

Context: The Greek term συμπαθής (sympathēs) appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of empathy and shared emotional experience. It is a compound word formed from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and πάσχω (paschō), meaning "to suffer" or "to experience." This term encapsulates the Christian virtue of compassion, where believers are called to enter into the experiences and sufferings of others, reflecting the love and empathy of Christ.

In the New Testament, συμπαθής is notably used in Hebrews 4:15, where it describes Jesus as a high priest who is able to "sympathize with our weaknesses." This passage highlights the profound theological truth that Jesus, though divine, fully understands human frailty and suffering because He experienced it Himself. This empathetic connection between Christ and humanity serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles.

The concept of συμπαθής extends beyond mere emotional understanding; it implies a call to action, urging believers to respond to the needs and sufferings of others with practical help and support. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on love and community, where Christians are encouraged to "rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15, BSB).

The use of συμπαθής in the New Testament underscores the importance of empathy as a foundational aspect of Christian character and community life. It challenges believers to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the experiences of others, reflecting the compassionate nature of Christ in their interactions and relationships.

Forms and Transliterations

συμπαθεις συμπαθείς συμπαθεῖς sumpatheis sympatheis sympatheîs

Englishman's Concordance

1 Peter 3:8 Adj-NMP
GRK: πάντες ὁμόφρονες συμπαθεῖς φιλάδελφοι εὔσπλαγχνοι
NAS: of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly,
KJV: of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren,
INT: all [being] of one mind sympathizing loving the brothers tender hearted

Strong's Greek 4835
1 Occurrence

συμπαθεῖς — 1 Occ.