### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πάσχω (páschō, `{{G3958}}`) is a fundamental term in the New Testament, carrying the core meaning "to experience a sensation or impression." While its broadest semantic range can encompass any experience, its predominant usage, especially in biblical contexts, is "to suffer," "to undergo hardship," or "to endure affliction." It implies an undergoing rather than an acting, focusing on the recipient of an action or event, often one that is painful or challenging. The English translations "suffer," "feel," "passion" (as in the Passion of Christ), and "vex" capture different facets of this experience, with "suffer" being the most common and significant in theological discourse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of πάσχω in the New Testament are profoundly significant, particularly in two major theological streams: the suffering of Christ and the suffering of believers.
* **The Suffering of Christ:** πάσχω is frequently used to describe the redemptive sufferings of Jesus Christ. His passion (from Latin *passio*, a direct translation of πάσχω's root) is central to the Gospel message. Jesus Himself foretold that the Son of Man "must suffer many things" [[Matthew 16:21]], [[Mark 8:31]], [[Luke 9:22]]. His suffering was not accidental but divinely ordained and prophesied, as seen in passages like [[Luke 24:26]], where the resurrected Christ explains to His disciples that "it was necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory." The book of Hebrews emphasizes Christ's suffering as a means by which He was perfected as our High Priest, learning obedience through what He suffered [[Hebrews 5:8]], and making purification for sins through His suffering [[Hebrews 9:26]]. His suffering is presented as a unique, atoning work [[1 Peter 2:21]], [[1 Peter 3:18]].
* **The Suffering of Believers:** Christians are called to share in the sufferings of Christ. This participation is not for atonement but for sanctification, identification, and preparation for future glory. Believers are exhorted to expect and endure various forms of suffering, including persecution for righteousness' sake [[Matthew 5:10]], [[1 Peter 3:14]], [[1 Peter 4:16]], and general hardships that come with living a godly life in a fallen world [[Romans 8:17]], [[Philippians 1:29]], [[1 Peter 4:19]]. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own sufferings for the sake of the Gospel [[2 Corinthians 1:6]], [[2 Timothy 1:12]], [[2 Timothy 2:9]], seeing them as a means of conforming him to Christ's image [[Philippians 3:10]]. The suffering of believers is often presented as a test of faith, a refining process, and a precursor to eternal glory [[1 Peter 5:10]].
* **Other Contexts:** While predominantly used for negative experiences, πάσχω can occasionally denote neutral or even positive experiences, though these are less common in the New Testament. For instance, in [[Acts 28:5]], the viper bites Paul, but he "suffered no harm" (ἔπαθεν οὐδὲν κακόν), indicating an experience without negative outcome. It can also refer to suffering from illness, as in [[Matthew 17:15]] where a boy "suffers severely" from seizures.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding πάσχω includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning and theological implications:
* θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`): This noun signifies "tribulation," "affliction," or "pressure." While πάσχω describes the act of suffering, θλῖψις often denotes the external circumstances or internal distress that cause the suffering. The two concepts are frequently linked, as suffering often arises from tribulation.
* κακοπαθέω (kakopatheō, `{{G2553}}`): A compound verb meaning "to suffer hardship" or "to endure evil." It explicitly combines the idea of suffering (πάσχω) with evil or hardship (κακός, kakos). This term emphasizes the difficult or injurious nature of the experience.
* ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`): "Endurance" or "perseverance." This noun describes the virtuous response to suffering. While πάσχω denotes the experience of suffering, ὑπομονή speaks to the steadfastness and patient endurance *through* suffering.
* μαρτυρέω (martyreō, `{{G3140}}`) and μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`): "To bear witness" and "witness." In early Christian usage, those who "suffered" for Christ, especially unto death, became "martyrs," bearing ultimate witness to their faith. This highlights the connection between suffering and testimony.
Theologically, πάσχω is intrinsically linked to concepts such as atonement, redemption, sanctification, perseverance, and eschatological hope.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πάσχω is profound and multifaceted:
1. **The Necessity of Christ's Suffering:** The New Testament consistently presents Christ's suffering as a divinely ordained and necessary component of God's redemptive plan. It was not a tragic accident but the very means by which salvation was accomplished. This suffering, culminating in His crucifixion, is the foundation of the atonement, bearing the penalty for humanity's sins.
2. **Participation in Christ's Suffering:** Believers are called to participate in the sufferings of Christ. This does not mean contributing to the atonement, but rather identifying with Him in His journey of self-denial, persecution, and obedience. Such suffering is a mark of true discipleship and a means by which believers are conformed to Christ's image, sharing in His life and mission.
3. **Suffering as a Means of Spiritual Growth:** For believers, πάσχω is often depicted as a refining fire. It tests faith, produces endurance, develops character, and fosters a deeper reliance on God. Through suffering, believers learn humility, patience, and a greater appreciation for God's grace and comfort.
4. **The Link Between Suffering and Glory:** A recurring theme is the inseparable connection between suffering and future glory. Just as Christ "suffered and entered into His glory" [[Luke 24:26]], believers who suffer with Him can anticipate being glorified with Him [[Romans 8:17]], [[1 Peter 4:13]], [[1 Peter 5:10]]. Suffering is therefore not an end in itself but a pathway to eternal reward and fellowship with God.
5. **God's Sovereignty in Suffering:** The biblical narrative affirms that even in the midst of intense suffering, God remains sovereign. He permits suffering, not arbitrarily, but often for purposes beyond human comprehension, ultimately working all things for the good of those who love Him [[Romans 8:28]].
### Summary
The Greek verb πάσχω (páschō, `{{G3958}}`) primarily means "to suffer," "to endure," or "to experience hardship." Its usage in the New Testament is of paramount theological importance, centered on two key aspects: the atoning suffering of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying suffering of believers. Christ's πάθος was a necessary and redemptive act, fulfilling prophecy and securing salvation. For His followers, πάσχω describes the inevitable afflictions, persecutions, and trials encountered in the Christian life, which are understood as a participation in Christ's own experiences. Far from being meaningless, this suffering serves divine purposes: it refines faith, builds endurance, conforms believers to Christ's image, and ultimately leads to future glory. Thus, πάσχω encapsulates a profound biblical truth: suffering, when viewed through the lens of Christ's sacrifice and God's sovereign plan, is not an obstacle to faith but often a crucible for its purification and a pathway to eternal joy.
TRV