The Greek word synkakopathéō, represented by G4777, is built from the words σύν (with) and κακοπαθέω (to suffer hardship). Its definition is to suffer hardship in company with or to be partaker of afflictions. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting a very particular kind of endurance.
The single use of G4777 is found in 2 Timothy 1:8. In this passage, Paul urges his protégé, Timothy, not to be ashamed G1870 of the testimony G3142 of the Lord, nor of Paul himself, who identifies as the Lord's prisoner G1198. Immediately following this, Paul issues a direct command: "be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel" 2 Timothy 1:8. This call to suffer alongside others is explicitly linked to the gospel G2098 and is to be undertaken according to the power G1411 of God.
Several related Greek words from its context in 2 Timothy 1:8 help clarify the meaning of G4777:
- G1870 epaischýnomai (to feel shame for something): This is the action Timothy is commanded to avoid. The call to partake in afflictions is presented as the opposite of being ashamed of the gospel's message or its messengers 2 Timothy 1:8.
- G2098 euangélion (a good message, i.e. the gospel): This word identifies the reason for the shared suffering. The hardship is not random but is endured specifically for the sake of the gospel Romans 1:16.
- G1411 dýnamis (power, strength): This is the divine resource that makes partaking in afflictions possible. Believers are not expected to endure in their own strength, but according to the power of God 2 Timothy 1:8.
The theological weight of G4777 is significant despite its rarity. It encapsulates several key principles of Christian discipleship:
- Fellowship in Suffering: The word's structure emphasizes a communal experience. It is a call not merely to endure hardship, but to join with other believers, like Paul, in the afflictions that come with proclaiming the gospel.
- An Honorable Calling: By placing the command to "be partaker of the afflictions" G4777 in direct opposition to being ashamed G1870, Paul reframes suffering for the faith as a mark of honor and authentic identification with Christ and His servants 2 Timothy 1:8.
- Divine Enablement: The suffering is explicitly tied to the power G1411 of God. This indicates that such endurance is not a tragic fate but a supernaturally enabled witness, demonstrating God's strength through human weakness 2 Timothy 1:8.
In summary, G4777 is a concise and powerful term that means more than just suffering; it is a call to actively and willingly join others in enduring hardship for a specific cause. Its sole biblical appearance in 2 Timothy 1:8 frames this shared affliction as a noble, divinely empowered duty associated with the gospel. The word illustrates that suffering for the faith is a communal experience, undertaken not with shame, but with the strength that God provides.
TRV