from a presumed derivative of πάθος; something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence:-- affection, affliction, motion, suffering.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **páthēma**, represented by `{{G3804}}`, describes something undergone, such as hardship or pain, and can also refer subjectively to an emotion or influence. Its translations include **affection**, **affliction**, **motion**, and **suffering**. It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses**, highlighting its specific and significant use in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3804}}` is used in two primary contexts. Firstly, it frequently refers to the **sufferings** of Christ, which are presented as a path to glory and a means of perfection [[Hebrews 2:10]]. Believers are called to participate in this, entering into the "fellowship of his **sufferings**" [[Philippians 3:10]]. Secondly, it describes the **afflictions** endured by believers, which are seen as a shared experience with the broader church [[1 Peter 5:9]] and a precursor to future **glory** [[Romans 8:18]]. In a distinct context, the word is translated as **affections** or **motions**, referring to the sinful passions of the flesh that must be crucified ([[Galatians 5:24]], [[Romans 7:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the concept of suffering and its theological context:
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.): This term often appears alongside `{{G3804}}` and describes the pressure or tribulation that leads to suffering. In [[Colossians 1:24]], Paul speaks of his **sufferings** `{{G3804}}` and filling up what is behind of the **afflictions** `{{G2347}}` of Christ.
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.): This word is frequently contrasted with `{{G3804}}` to frame suffering as a temporary state that precedes eternal **glory**. This connection is clear in [[1 Peter 1:11]], which speaks of the **sufferings** of Christ and the **glory** that should follow.
* `{{G2842}}` **koinōnía** (partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:--(to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship.): This term highlights the participatory nature of a believer's affliction, not as a solitary experience but as a **fellowship** in Christ's own **sufferings** [[Philippians 3:10]].
* `{{G3874}}` **paráklēsis** (imploration, hortation, solace:--comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.): This word represents the divine response to suffering. As the **sufferings** `{{G3804}}` of Christ abound in believers, so too does **consolation** `{{G3874}}` abound through Him [[2 Corinthians 1:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3804}}` is centered on the Christian's relationship with Christ's redemptive work.
* **Suffering as a Precursor to Glory:** Scripture repeatedly frames suffering not as a final state, but as a necessary prelude to glory. Paul reckons that "the **sufferings** of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the **glory** which shall be revealed in us" [[Romans 8:18]].
* **Participation in Christ's Sufferings:** Believers are called to be "partakers of Christ's **sufferings**" [[1 Peter 4:13]]. This shared experience creates a deep fellowship with Christ and is linked to the believer's conformity to His death [[Philippians 3:10]].
* **A Means of Perfection and Salvation:** Christ himself was made "perfect through **sufferings**" [[Hebrews 2:10]]. For believers, enduring these same sufferings is tied to their own **consolation** and **salvation** `{{G4991}}`, which is effectual in them [[2 Corinthians 1:6]].
* **The Carnal Affections of the Flesh:** In contrast to godly suffering, `{{G3804}}` is also used to describe the sinful "**affections**" and "**motions**" of the flesh. These are not to be endured but are to be crucified with Christ [[Galatians 5:24]] as they produce fruit that leads to **death** `{{G2288}}` [[Romans 7:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3804}}` carries a dual meaning that is critical to biblical theology. It can refer to the sinful **affections** of the flesh that lead to death, but it most often describes the holy **sufferings** of Christ and His followers. This suffering is not pointless but serves as a path to perfection, a means of fellowship with the Savior, and the certain road that leads to the revelation of eternal glory.
TRV