### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sympáschō**, represented by `{{G4841}}`, defines the act of experiencing pain jointly. Its base definition is to **suffer with**, a combination of the words σύν and πάσχω. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, specifically highlighting a shared experience of persecution or pain and is used to convey the concept of sympathy through joint suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4841}}` appears in two key contexts. In [[Romans 8:17]], the act to **suffer with** Christ is presented as a condition for being "glorified together." This links the believer's suffering directly to their status as **heirs** `{{G2818}}` of God and **joint-heirs** `{{G4789}}` with Christ. The second use, in [[1 Corinthians 12:26]], illustrates the interconnectedness of believers as a body. The passage explains that if one **member** `{{G3196}}` suffers, "all the members **suffer with it**," demonstrating a shared communal experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of shared experience and suffering:
* `{{G3958}}` **páschō** (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)): This is the root of `{{G4841}}` and describes the initial act of suffering. In [[1 Corinthians 12:26]], it is because one member **suffers** `{{G3958}}` that the rest **suffer with** it.
* `{{G4888}}` **syndoxázō** (to exalt to dignity in company (i.e. similarly) with): This term is the direct result of the action in [[Romans 8:17]]. Believers **suffer with** `{{G4841}}` Christ so that they may also be **glorified together** `{{G4888}}`.
* `{{G4796}}` **synchaírō** (to sympathize in gladness, congratulate): Used in direct contrast to `{{G4841}}` in [[1 Corinthians 12:26]], this word shows the other side of communal life, where all members **rejoice with** one another when one is honored.
* `{{G4789}}` **synklēronómos** (a co-heir, i.e. (by analogy) participant in common): This word clarifies the status that accompanies shared suffering. To be a **joint-heir** `{{G4789}}` with Christ is conditioned by the willingness to **suffer with** Him [[Romans 8:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4841}}` is significant, connecting suffering directly to a believer's identity and future.
* **Identification with Christ:** The term establishes a profound link between the believer's experience and Christ's. To **suffer with** `{{G4841}}` Him is part of being a **joint-heir** `{{G4789}}`, sharing in his experience as a prerequisite to sharing in His glorification [[Romans 8:17]].
* **The Unity of the Body:** The word is central to the metaphor of the church as a body. In [[1 Corinthians 12:26]], it teaches that the members are so interconnected that the suffering of one **member** `{{G3196}}` is felt by all, creating a shared experience of pain.
* **A Condition for Future Glory:** Shared suffering is not purposeless. [[Romans 8:17]] frames it as a conditional reality: **if** we **suffer with** Him, it is so that we may also be **glorified together** `{{G4888}}`, connecting present trials with a future, promised inheritance.
### Summary
In summary, **sympáschō** `{{G4841}}` encapsulates the concept of experiencing pain jointly. It is used to define both the believer's intimate identification with Christ, where **suffering with** Him is the path to being glorified with Him [[Romans 8:17]], and the profound unity of the church, where the members of the body share in one another's afflictions [[1 Corinthians 12:26]]. The word demonstrates that suffering is not a solitary event but a shared experience that forges identity and confirms inheritance.
TRV