from a presumed derivative of πάθος; something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence:-- affection, affliction, motion, suffering.
Transliteration:páthēma
Pronunciation:path'-ay-mah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πάθημα (páthēma, `{{G3804}}`) is derived from the root πάθος (pathos, `{{G3806}}`), which denotes a strong feeling, emotion, or that which is experienced or undergone. Thus, πάθημα fundamentally signifies "that which is suffered" or "an experience." Its semantic range encompasses both objective and subjective dimensions. Objectively, it refers to hardship, pain, affliction, or suffering endured. Subjectively, it can denote an emotion, an influence, or a passion, particularly in the context of human frailties or sinful inclinations, as seen in [[Romans 7:5]] where it speaks of "passions of sins." However, its predominant usage in the New Testament leans heavily towards the experience of suffering, tribulation, or affliction, often with a profound theological purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πάθημα appears approximately 16 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline and Petrine epistles, and in Hebrews.
1. **Christ's Suffering:** A primary application of πάθημα refers to the suffering of Christ. [[Hebrews 2:9]] states that Jesus tasted death "for everyone" through "the suffering of death" (διὰ τοῦ παθήματος τοῦ θανάτου). [[Hebrews 5:8]] highlights that even Jesus, though a Son, "learned obedience from the things which he suffered" (ἀφʼ ὧν ἔπαθεν). Here, πάθημα underscores the real, human experience of pain and difficulty that Christ underwent, essential for His role as High Priest and Savior.
2. **Believers' Suffering for Christ:** The term frequently describes the afflictions endured by Christians for their faith and identification with Christ. [[Romans 8:18]] famously contrasts "the sufferings of this present time" (τὰ παθήματα τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ) with the glory to be revealed. [[2 Corinthians 1:5]] speaks of the "sufferings of Christ" (τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ) abounding in believers, implying a participation in His experience. [[Philippians 3:10]] expresses Paul's desire to know Christ and the "fellowship of His sufferings" (κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ). Similarly, [[Colossians 1:24]] refers to Paul "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" (ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου ὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία), though some manuscripts read παθήματα here. The Petrine epistles also emphasize this theme: [[1 Peter 4:13]] encourages believers to rejoice insofar as they "share in Christ's sufferings" (κοινωνεῖτε τοῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθήμασιν), and [[1 Peter 5:9]] notes that the "same sufferings" (τὰ αὐτὰ παθήματα) are being experienced by the brotherhood throughout the world. These contexts reveal πάθημα as a mark of authentic discipleship, a shared experience with Christ, and a prelude to future glory.
3. **General Human Passions/Afflictions:** In [[Romans 7:5]], πάθημα takes on a more negative connotation, referring to "passions of sins" (τὰ παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν) which were active in the flesh, bearing fruit for death. This usage aligns with the subjective sense of "emotion or influence," specifically those that lead to sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
πάθημα is closely related to, and often overlaps with, several other Greek terms describing hardship and experience:
* πάθος (pathos, `{{G3806}}`): The root word, often denoting intense emotion, passion, or suffering. While πάθος can refer to the internal state, πάθημα describes the outward manifestation or the experience itself.
* θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`): Tribulation, affliction, oppression, or distress. θλῖψις often denotes external pressure or hardship, while πάθημα refers to the internal or personal experience of that hardship. They frequently appear together, as in [[2 Corinthians 1:4-7]].
* ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`): Weakness, infirmity, or sickness. This can be a form of πάθημα or contribute to it.
* διωγμός (diogmos, `{{G1375}}`): Persecution. This is a specific type of external θλῖψις that invariably leads to πάθημα.
* δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`): Glory. Often presented as the ultimate outcome or contrast to πάθημα ([[Romans 8:18]], [[1 Peter 5:10]]), highlighting the eschatological hope for those who suffer for Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πάθημα is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Christocentric Foundation:** The sufferings of Christ are not merely historical events but are foundational to Christian salvation. His πάθημα was redemptive, perfecting Him as the compassionate High Priest ([[Hebrews 2:10]], [[Hebrews 5:8-9]]) and providing the means for humanity's reconciliation with God.
2. **Participatory Discipleship:** Believers are called to share in Christ's πάθημα. This is not a masochistic pursuit but a profound spiritual reality that deepens fellowship with Christ ([[Philippians 3:10]]). It signifies identification with Him, not only in His resurrection power but also in His suffering for righteousness' sake.
3. **Purification and Growth:** Suffering, while painful, is often presented as a divinely appointed means for spiritual refinement, testing of faith, and growth in character ([[Romans 5:3-4]]). It can lead to endurance, proven character, and hope. [[1 Peter 1:6-7]] speaks of being grieved by various πάθημα (translated as "trials" or "sufferings") so that faith's genuineness may be proven.
4. **Anticipation of Glory:** The πάθημα of the present age is consistently viewed as temporary and ultimately overshadowed by the promised future glory. [[Romans 8:18]] and [[1 Peter 5:10]] vividly articulate this eschatological hope, where "after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace... will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
5. **Solidarity and Witness:** Shared πάθημα creates a bond among believers, fostering mutual comfort and solidarity ([[2 Corinthians 1:6-7]]). Furthermore, enduring suffering for Christ serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of faith.
### Summary
πάθημα (páthēma, `{{G3804}}`) is a rich Greek term signifying "something undergone," encompassing both physical hardship and internal emotional states. In the New Testament, its primary focus is on the experience of suffering, particularly in relation to Christ's redemptive work and the believer's participation in His afflictions. Far from being merely negative, πάθημα is imbued with profound theological significance: it is the path Christ trod for salvation, a mark of authentic discipleship, a means of spiritual purification and growth, and a temporary prelude to eternal glory. Christians are called not only to endure πάθημα but to embrace it as a means of deeper fellowship with Christ and a testament to the hope that awaits those who suffer for His name.
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