### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sympathéō**, represented by `{{G4834}}`, means to feel "sympathy" with, to commiserate, or to **have compassion**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its core meaning involves being **touched with a feeling of** another's experience, particularly in suffering or weakness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4834}}` describes two distinct but related forms of compassion. It is used to characterize Christ as a high priest who can **be touched with the feeling** of our infirmities, establishing a divine capacity for empathy with human weakness [[Hebrews 4:15]]. It is also used to describe the actions of believers who **had compassion** on someone in their bonds, demonstrating a practical, human-to-human expression of shared feeling in the face of persecution [[Hebrews 10:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the kind of experiences that elicit sympathy:
* `{{G769}}` **asthéneia** (feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:--disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.): This is the state to which Christ offers his compassion, as he can be touched with the feeling of our **infirmities** [[Hebrews 4:15]].
* `{{G1199}}` **desmón** (a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability:--band, bond, chain, string.): This word describes the hardship that prompted believers to show compassion, specifically for a fellow believer in **bonds** [[Hebrews 10:34]].
* `{{G3326}}` **metá** (properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid"...with...): This preposition highlights accompaniment. In [[Hebrews 10:34]], those who showed compassion did so while taking the spoiling of their own goods joyfully, or **with** joy.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4834}}` is significant for its dual application to both divine and human action.
* **An Approachable High Priest:** The word is crucial to understanding the nature of Christ's priesthood. His ability to **be touched with the feeling** of our **infirmities** `{{G769}}` is what makes him an accessible and empathetic mediator for humanity [[Hebrews 4:15]].
* **Active Christian Empathy:** The term serves as a model for Christian conduct. In [[Hebrews 10:34]], believers demonstrated their faith by actively showing compassion for those in **bonds** `{{G1199}}`, linking sympathy directly to action and fellowship in suffering.
* **Commiseration as a Virtue:** The concept of feeling "with" someone is presented as a core virtue. It connects the believer to Christ's own character and to the community of believers through shared experience.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G4834}}` is rare, its meaning is profound. It defines both the empathetic nature of Christ as our high priest and the active compassion that should characterize believers. The word illustrates that biblical sympathy is not a passive emotion but an active "feeling with" that connects God to humanity and believers to one another in their struggles.
TRV