### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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