### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκακοπαθέω (synkakopathéō), Strong's number `{{G4777}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together with," and the verb κακοπαθέω (kakopathéō), meaning "to suffer hardship" or "to endure evil." The root κακοπαθέω itself combines κακός (kakos), "bad" or "evil," and πάθος (pathos), "suffering" or "experience."
Therefore, the core meaning of συγκακοπαθέω is "to suffer hardship in company with," "to endure affliction together with," or "to be a partaker of afflictions alongside another." The prefix σύν is crucial, as it emphasizes the shared, corporate, or joint nature of the suffering. It is not merely suffering, but suffering *in solidarity* with someone else, often for a common cause or mission. The semantic range thus centers on the concept of shared endurance and participation in tribulation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συγκακοπαθέω (synkakopathéō) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's second letter to Timothy:
* **[[2 Timothy 2:3]]**: "You therefore must endure hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (ESV)
In this sole occurrence, the apostle Paul directly exhorts his spiritual son, Timothy, to "endure hardship *with me*." The context is one of urgent pastoral instruction and encouragement amidst the challenges of ministry. Paul, who is himself suffering imprisonment for the gospel (cf. [[2 Timothy 1:8]], [[2 Timothy 1:12]]), calls Timothy to a shared commitment to endure the difficulties inherent in serving Christ.
The imagery of the "good soldier of Christ Jesus" further illuminates the meaning. A soldier is expected to endure hardship as part of their duty and loyalty to their commander and fellow soldiers. This is not a call to passive suffering, but to active, purposeful endurance in the face of opposition. Timothy is not to shy away from the afflictions that accompany faithful gospel ministry, but rather to embrace them as a shared burden and a mark of true discipleship alongside Paul and, by extension, Christ Himself. The shared suffering is presented not as a deterrent, but as an integral aspect of their joint mission and identity in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts deepen our understanding of συγκακοπαθέω:
* **κακοπαθέω (kakopathéō) `{{G2553}}`**: The base verb, meaning "to suffer hardship" or "to endure affliction." This word is used in [[2 Timothy 4:5]], where Paul instructs Timothy, "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." While συγκακοπαθέω emphasizes shared suffering, κακοπαθέω denotes the individual act of enduring. Timothy is called to both.
* **συνπάσχω (sympaschō) `{{G4841}}`**: "to suffer with." This verb is closely related and often used in the context of suffering with Christ ([[Romans 8:17]]) or with fellow members of the body of Christ ([[1 Corinthians 12:26]]). It highlights the profound solidarity within the Christian community and with its Head.
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`**: The preposition "with," which forms the crucial prefix of συγκακοπαθέω, emphasizing the corporate or shared dimension of the action.
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia) `{{G2842}}`**: "fellowship," "participation," "sharing." This noun encapsulates the broader concept of shared life, which includes shared joys and shared sufferings, particularly in the context of the gospel (cf. [[Philippians 3:10]]).
* **θλῖψις (thlipsis) `{{G2347}}`**: "tribulation," "affliction," "distress." A common New Testament term for the various pressures and hardships faced by believers.
* **ὑπομονή (hypomonē) `{{G5281}}`**: "endurance," "steadfastness," "perseverance." This virtue is closely linked to the act of συγκακοπαθέω, as it describes the internal fortitude required to bear up under affliction.
These related terms underscore the pervasive biblical theme of suffering as an expected and even unifying aspect of Christian life and mission.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of συγκακοπαθέω in [[2 Timothy 2:3]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of Christian discipleship and ministry:
1. **Solidarity in Suffering**: The word underscores the corporate nature of the Christian life. Believers are not called to suffer in isolation, but in solidarity with fellow saints and, preeminently, with Christ. Timothy is called to share Paul's suffering, which is itself a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([[Philippians 3:10]]). This shared experience fosters deep spiritual bonds and mutual encouragement.
2. **The Cost of Discipleship**: συγκακοπαθέω highlights that following Christ, especially in ministry, is not a path free from hardship. It challenges any notion of a "gospel of ease" and affirms that genuine discipleship often involves embracing affliction for the sake of the Kingdom. The "good soldier" imagery reinforces the idea that spiritual warfare demands sacrifice and endurance.
3. **Identification with Christ's Mission**: By enduring hardship *with* Paul for the gospel, Timothy is implicitly identifying with Christ's own mission and suffering. Christ Himself endured the ultimate suffering to accomplish salvation, and His followers are called to participate in that pattern of self-sacrifice for the spread of the gospel. This shared suffering is not punitive but redemptive in its purpose, advancing God's Kingdom.
4. **Empowerment for Endurance**: While the word emphasizes suffering, the broader context of 2 Timothy is one of divine strength and faithfulness. Timothy is encouraged to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" ([[2 Timothy 2:1]]). Thus, the call to συγκακοπαθέω is not a call to suffer in one's own strength, but to rely on God's sustaining grace to endure for His purposes.
### Summary
συγκακοπαθέω (synkakopathéō) `{{G4777}}` is a potent Greek verb meaning "to suffer hardship in company with." Its singular appearance in [[2 Timothy 2:3]] is highly significant, serving as a direct exhortation from Paul to Timothy to embrace shared suffering as an intrinsic part of faithful Christian ministry, likened to the duty of a good soldier. This word profoundly emphasizes the corporate dimension of Christian endurance, highlighting that believers are called to participate in afflictions not in isolation, but in solidarity with Christ and with one another for the sake of the gospel. It underscores the cost of discipleship, the unifying power of shared tribulation, and the identification with Christ's redemptive mission through suffering endured by divine grace.
TRV