κακοπαθέω

I suffer evil, endure affliction

Definition

The verb κακοπαθέω means to endure hardship, suffer evil, or bear affliction. It carries the sense of actively and patiently enduring difficult circumstances, often for a noble purpose. In the Pastoral Epistles, it is used as a charge to Christian ministers to endure suffering as part of their faithful service, like a good soldier (2 Timothy 2:3, 4:5). In James 5:13, the usage broadens to include any believer who is suffering hardship, instructing them to pray.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the New Testament's paraenetic (exhortatory) literature. Three of its four occurrences are in 2 Timothy, where Paul instructs Timothy to 'share in suffering' (συγκακοπάθησον) as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3), to endure everything for the sake of the elect (2 Timothy 2:9), and to 'endure suffering' (κακοπάθησον) in his ministry work (2 Timothy 4:5). The final occurrence is in James 5:13, which asks, 'Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.'

Etymology

Derived from the adjective κακός (kakos, G2556) meaning 'evil' or 'bad' and the verb πάσχω (paschō, G3958) meaning 'to suffer' or 'experience.' It is a compound verb literally meaning 'to suffer evil.' Cognates include the noun κακοπάθεια (kakopatheia, G2552) meaning 'suffering' or 'hardship.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames Christian suffering not as a passive victimhood but as an active, steadfast endurance aligned with one's calling. In 2 Timothy, it is integral to the identity and duty of gospel ministry, linking the minister's hardship to the suffering of Christ and the perseverance of the elect. It transforms suffering from a mere misfortune into a purposeful component of discipleship and faithful service.

In the Greco-Roman world, enduring hardship (κακοπάθεια) was a virtue associated with military discipline, philosophical fortitude, and athletic training. Paul's use of the term in 2 Timothy 2:3-5 draws directly on these cultural metaphors—the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer—to communicate that Christian endurance is disciplined, purposeful, and expects a future reward.

πάσχω (paschō, G3958) — A broader, more general term for experiencing or suffering something. ὑπομένω (hypomenō, G5278) — Emphasizes remaining under or persevering through a trial with steadfastness. θλίβω (thlibō, G2346) — Focuses more on the pressure, affliction, or tribulation itself rather than the act of enduring it.

Word Details

Scripture References