Lexical Summary sumpathés: Sympathetic, compassionate Original Word: συμπαθής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sympathetic, understandingFrom sumpascho; having a fellow-feeling ("sympathetic"), i.e. (by implication) mutually commiserative -- having compassion one of another. see GREEK sumpascho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and paschó Definition sympathetic NASB Translation sympathetic (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4835: συμπαθήςσυμπαθής, 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 Concept Overview Strong’s 4835 describes the quality of entering into another’s joys and sorrows so fully that their experience becomes one’s own. Scripture presents this virtue as indispensable for life in the covenant community, a fruit of regeneration that reflects God’s own heart toward His people. Biblical Usage The adjective appears once, in 1 Peter 3:8, where Peter exhorts believers, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.” The term stands amid a chain of community virtues, joining unity of mind, familial love, compassion, and humility. Its placement highlights sympathy as both glue and conduit: it binds believers together and channels the other graces named in the verse. Related Passages and Themes Though 1 Peter 3:8 is the term’s sole occurrence, its idea permeates Scripture: • Hebrews 4:15 portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate example: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…” Together these passages show sympathy to be both Christological and ecclesiological: rooted in Christ’s disposition and exercised within His body. Historical Setting First-century believers often faced social ostracism, legal harassment, or outright persecution. Letters like 1 Peter were written to scattered congregations under pressure. In such circumstances, sympathy was not sentimental but survival-oriented, calling Christians to share material goods, open their homes, and advocate for one another. By cultivating mutual feeling, the church became a refuge against hostile surroundings and a witness to the watching world (John 13:35). Theological Significance 1. Imago Dei: Humans reflect God’s relational nature; genuine sympathy honors that image by valuing another’s experience as inherently meaningful. Practical Ministry Implications • Pastoral Care: Shepherds are called to “know the state of your flock” (Proverbs 27:23), which requires more than doctrinal accuracy; it demands an ability to feel with those who suffer or rejoice. Cultivating Sympathy Today 1. Meditation on Christ’s own sympathy inspires imitation. Conclusion The single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s 4835 opens a window on a pervasive biblical mandate: God’s people are to enter one another’s lives with compassionate understanding, reflecting the Savior who first entered ours. Such sympathy strengthens the church, adorns the gospel, and anticipates the perfect fellowship of the age to come. Forms and Transliterations συμπαθεις συμπαθείς συμπαθεῖς sumpatheis sympatheis sympatheîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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