### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kakopátheia**, represented by `{{G2552}}`, defines **hardship** or **suffering affliction**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular use highlights a specific kind of endurance in the face of adversity, presented as an example for believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical use of `{{G2552}}` occurs in the context of enduring trials. In [[James 5:10]], believers are encouraged to "Take...the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of **suffering affliction**." Here, hardship is presented not as a random event, but as a condition modeled by the prophets and linked directly with patience and faithfulness to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the nature of this hardship:
* `{{G5262}}` **hypódeigma** (en-(ex-)ample, pattern): This word shows that the hardship is not purposeless but serves as a **pattern** for believers. The prophets are presented as an **example** of how to endure [[James 5:10]].
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs** (prophet): This identifies who exemplifies the endurance. The hardship is associated with the office of a **prophet**, an inspired speaker for God who fulfilled what was written in the law [[Luke 24:44]].
* `{{G3115}}` **makrothymía** (longsuffering, patience): This term is presented as the companion to **suffering affliction**. It is a **patience** or fortitude that is essential for enduring hardship, as listed as a fruit of the Spirit [[Galatians 5:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2552}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, highlighting several principles:
* **Exemplary Hardship:** The suffering of the prophets is presented as an **example** `{{G5262}}` for believers to take. This frames hardship not as a failure, but as a pattern of faithfulness to be imitated [[James 5:10]].
* **A Consequence of Speaking for God:** The affliction is directly tied to the prophets who had **spoken** `{{G2980}}` in the **name** `{{G3686}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`. This suggests that such hardship can be a direct result of faithfully carrying out God's work in the world [[James 5:10]].
* **Endurance through Patience:** `{{G2552}}` is immediately followed by **patience** `{{G3115}}`. This pairing shows that the expected response to divinely-permitted hardship is fortitude and **longsuffering**, a key virtue believers are told to put on [[Colossians 3:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **kakopátheia** `{{G2552}}` offers a focused look at a specific type of hardship. Though used only once, its context in [[James 5:10]] frames it as a purposeful trial endured by those faithful to God. It is not an isolated suffering, but an **example** to be followed, intrinsically linked with **patience** and the prophetic call to speak for the Lord. It demonstrates how a single, rare word can carry significant theological meaning about the nature of a believer's endurance.
TRV