### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4778 συγκακουχέω (synkakouchéō) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb κακουχέω (kakouchéō), which signifies "to treat badly, to maltreat, to afflict." The root κακουχέω itself combines κακός (kakos, "bad" or "evil") and ἔχω (echō, "to have" or "to hold"). Thus, the base meaning of κακουχέω is "to have or hold badly," leading to the sense of enduring hardship or being ill-treated.
When combined with σύν, συγκακουχέω takes on the specific meaning of "to suffer affliction *together with*." The passive voice, as it appears in the New Testament, emphasizes the experience of "enduring persecution in company with" or "suffering hardship alongside" others. This highlights not merely individual suffering, but a shared experience of adversity, underscoring solidarity and communal endurance in the face of mistreatment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4778 συγκακουχέω appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 11:25]]**: "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."
This verse is part of the extensive "Hall of Faith" passage, which extols the faith of Old Testament figures. Here, the author of Hebrews commends Moses for his profound act of faith. Moses, having been raised in Pharaoh's household with access to all its privileges and pleasures, deliberately chose to identify with the enslaved and oppressed people of God. The phrase "to suffer affliction with the people of God" (συγκακουχέω τῷ λαῷ τοῦ θεοῦ) powerfully conveys his conscious decision to abandon worldly comfort and status in favor of solidarity with a community facing severe hardship and persecution. This choice was not accidental or forced, but a deliberate act of will, driven by a spiritual discernment that valued the eternal over the temporal, and divine identification over earthly ease. The context emphasizes the cost of such a choice and the faith required to make it, contrasting the fleeting "pleasures of sin" with the enduring commitment to God's covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G4778 συγκακουχέω is illuminated by its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **σύν (syn - `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix σύν is crucial, as it denotes association, companionship, and shared experience. Many New Testament words use this prefix to indicate joint participation (e.g., συνεργός - co-worker, συνσταυρόω - to be crucified with). Here, it emphasizes the communal nature of suffering for faith.
* **κακουχέω (kakouchéō - `{{G2559}}`)**: This base verb, meaning "to suffer ill, to be afflicted, to be maltreated," appears in [[Acts 7:6]] and [[Acts 7:34]] describing the affliction of the Israelites in Egypt. It underscores the severity and undeserved nature of the suffering.
* **πάσχω (paschō - `{{G3958}}`)**: A more general term for "to suffer" or "to experience," often used in the New Testament to describe the sufferings of Christ and believers.
* **θλίψις (thlipsis - `{{G2347}}`)**: Meaning "tribulation, affliction, distress," this noun frequently describes the hardships faced by believers (e.g., [[Romans 5:3]], [[2 Corinthians 1:4]]).
* **διωγμός (diōgmos - `{{G1375}}`)**: "Persecution," a specific type of suffering often experienced by those who follow God.
Concepts closely related to συγκακουχέω include:
* **Solidarity and Identification**: The word highlights a deep identification with a group, sharing their burdens and fate.
* **Communal Suffering**: It emphasizes that suffering for faith is often a shared experience within the body of believers, rather than an isolated one.
* **Cost of Discipleship**: It points to the sacrifices and hardships that may be required when one chooses to follow God.
* **Perseverance**: The act of enduring affliction together speaks to the necessity of steadfastness in faith.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G4778 συγκακουχέω in [[Hebrews 11:25]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in its portrayal of Moses's choice:
1. **Identification with God's People**: Moses's decision to "suffer affliction with the people of God" is a powerful model of solidarity. It signifies a profound identification with the elect, even when they are in a state of oppression and lowliness. This prefigures the New Testament call for believers to identify with Christ and His body, the Church, even in their suffering ([[Philippians 3:10]]).
2. **The Nature of Christian Commitment**: The choice made by Moses illustrates that true faith often involves forsaking worldly advantages and embracing hardship for the sake of divine allegiance. It underscores the "cost of discipleship" (cf. [[Luke 9:23]]), where loyalty to God may necessitate choosing a path of suffering over one of comfort or worldly gain.
3. **Communal Aspect of Faith**: The "togetherness" implied by σύν is vital. Christian suffering is often not solitary but a shared experience within the community of faith. This fosters mutual support, strengthens bonds, and testifies to the corporate identity of believers who are united in their trials as well as their triumphs.
4. **Faith's Perspective on Suffering**: Moses's choice was not merely an act of self-denial, but a decision rooted in a forward-looking faith. He saw "the recompense of reward" ([[Hebrews 11:26]]), indicating that suffering *with* God's people is not meaningless but carries eternal value and purpose in God's economy. This perspective transforms affliction from a mere burden into a pathway to deeper spiritual understanding and future glory.
5. **Prefigurement of Christ's Path**: While Moses chose to suffer *with* God's people, Christ Himself chose to suffer *for* His people, ultimately identifying with humanity in its fallen state and enduring the ultimate affliction on the cross. The principle of embracing suffering for a greater, divine purpose resonates deeply with the Christological narrative.
### Summary
G4778 συγκακουχέω (synkakouchéō) is a Greek verb meaning "to suffer affliction together with." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 11:25]] describes Moses's pivotal choice to endure hardship alongside the people of God rather than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. This word highlights the themes of identification with God's elect, the communal nature of suffering in faith, and the profound cost of discipleship. Theologically, it underscores that embracing shared adversity for the sake of divine allegiance is a hallmark of true faith, carrying eternal significance and prefiguring the path of Christ and His followers. It is a powerful reminder that spiritual commitment often involves solidarity with the suffering, viewing present affliction through the lens of future divine reward.
TRV