πάσχω

I am acted upon, suffer

Definition

The verb πάσχω fundamentally means 'to experience' or 'to be acted upon,' encompassing a broad range of experiences, both positive and negative. In the New Testament, it most frequently denotes suffering, particularly the physical and emotional pain of persecution or illness, as seen in the woman who 'suffered many things from many physicians' (Mark 5:26). Its most theologically significant usage refers to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, as when He predicts that the 'Son of Man must suffer many things' (Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22). This establishes a core connection between Christ's passion and the potential suffering of His followers.

Biblical Usage

πάσχω is used 41 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and the letters of Peter and Paul. It consistently describes the suffering of Jesus in passion predictions (e.g., Mark 8:31) and narratives. It also describes the suffering of people from illness (Mark 5:26) and the suffering of Christians for their faith (e.g., 1 Peter 2:19-21, 3:14-18). The usage creates a pattern where believers' suffering is understood in light of Christ's own.

Etymology

The origin of πάσχω is debated but is likely from a very ancient Indo-European root. It is related to the noun πάθος (pathos, G3806), meaning 'suffering' or 'passion,' and the verb πάθειν (pathein), 'to suffer.' Its fundamental sense of 'to be acted upon' or 'to experience' developed the specific connotation of enduring hardship or suffering, which became dominant in Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

This word is central to Christian theology, specifically the doctrine of Christ's atonement. 'The Christ had to suffer' (Luke 24:26) became a core apostolic message (Acts 3:18, 17:3). Understanding πάσχω enriches reading by highlighting that Christ's death was an active experience of suffering, not just a passive event. It also frames the believer's suffering as participation in Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13), giving it redemptive purpose and hope.

In the Greco-Roman world, suffering was often viewed as a misfortune to be avoided or a sign of divine disfavor. The Christian re-framing of πάσχω, especially in relation to an executed Messiah, was counter-cultural. It presented suffering for righteousness as honorable and transformative, in stark contrast to the shame typically associated with public punishment and persecution.

ὑπομένω (hypomenō, G5278) — emphasizes enduring or bearing up under suffering with steadfastness. ἀδικέω (adikeō, G91) — means to suffer wrong or injustice, focusing on the cause rather than the experience. θλίβω (thlibō, G2346) — means to press, afflict, or trouble, often describing external pressure rather than the internal experience of suffering.

Word Details

Scripture References