συγκακουχέω

I suffer ill-treatment with

Definition

The verb συγκακουχέω means 'to suffer ill-treatment with' or 'to endure hardship together with' someone. It denotes a deliberate choice to join another person in their suffering, sharing in their mistreatment rather than avoiding it. In its sole biblical occurrence in Hebrews 11:25, it describes Moses choosing to be mistreated alongside the people of God rather than enjoying the temporary pleasures of sin in Pharaoh's household. The word emphasizes solidarity in affliction and a voluntary participation in the hardships of others.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 11:25, within the 'Hall of Faith' chapter. It describes Moses' pivotal decision to identify with the enslaved Israelites, sharing in their abuse and oppression under Egypt. The context is one of moral and spiritual choice—opting for solidarity with God's suffering people over personal comfort and privilege. The usage highlights a pattern of faithful identification seen in the heroes of the Old Testament narrative.

Etymology

The word συγκακουχέω is a compound verb formed from the prefix σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together'), the root κακός (kakos, meaning 'bad,' 'evil,' or 'ill'), and the verb ὀχέω (ocheō, a form related to 'to bear' or 'to endure'). Literally, it means 'to bear ill together with.' It combines the idea of communal participation (σύν) with enduring hardship (κακουχέω, from κακοῦχος, 'ill-treated').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the essence of Christ-like solidarity and sacrificial identification. Moses' action prefigures Christ's incarnation and suffering with humanity (Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:15). It teaches that faithfulness to God often involves choosing to share in the sufferings of God's people (1 Corinthians 12:26) and rejecting worldly comfort for eternal reward. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the voluntary, costly nature of such solidarity in the biblical narrative of redemption.

In the Greco-Roman world, avoiding shame and hardship was a common cultural value. Moses' choice to be 'mistreated with' the Israelites would have been counter-cultural, as it meant abandoning a high-status, honorable position in the Egyptian court for the shame and abuse associated with slavery. The word implies a conscious rejection of social privilege and honor for the sake of a marginalized community, a radical concept in an honor-shame society.

συνπαθέω (sympatheō, G4834) — to sympathize with, feel compassion; συγκακοπαθέω (sygkakopatheō, G4777) — to suffer hardship together with (a very close synonym, used in 2 Timothy 2:3); κοινωνέω (koinōneō, G2841) — to share in, participate in (broader, not limited to suffering).

Word Details

Scripture References