Berean Strong's Lexicon metriopatheó: To be moderate in passion, to show forbearance, to have compassion Original Word: μετριοπαθέω Word Origin: From a compound of μέτριος (metrios, meaning "moderate") and πάσχω (paschō, meaning "to suffer" or "to feel") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "metriopatheó," the concept of compassion and forbearance is reflected in Hebrew terms such as רַחוּם (rachum, meaning "compassionate") and אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (erekh appayim, meaning "slow to anger"). Usage: The verb "metriopatheó" conveys the idea of exercising restraint in emotions, particularly in the context of showing compassion or forbearance towards others. It implies a balanced approach to feelings, avoiding extremes of anger or indifference. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the attitude of a high priest who can sympathize with human weaknesses. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, moderation was a valued virtue, often associated with wisdom and self-control. The concept of "metriopatheó" aligns with the philosophical ideals of temperance and balance, which were esteemed in both Greek and Jewish thought. In the context of the New Testament, this term reflects the compassionate and understanding nature expected of spiritual leaders, particularly in their role as mediators between God and humanity. HELPS Word-studies 3356 metriopathéō(from metrios, "mediating," derived from metri, "an instrument for measuring" and 3806 /páthos, "feeling") – properly, to feel appropriately, i.e. with divinely-measured intensity ("God-controlled moderation"). 3356 /metriopathéō ("feel with divinely-measured intensity") expresses discriminating feeling (empathy) which is not too severe or too tolerant. 3356 (metriopathéō), used only in Heb 5:2, ultimately refers to the ministry of Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as metriós and pathos Definition to hold one's emotions in restraint NASB Translation deal gently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3356: μετριοπαθέωμετριοπαθέω, μετριοπάθω; ((cf. Winer's Grammar, 101 (95)); from μετριοπαθής, adhering to the true measure in one's passions or emotions; ἔφη (viz., Aristotle) τόν σοφόν μή εἶναι μέν ἀπαθη, μετριοπαθη δέ, (Diogenes Laërtius 5, 31; μετριοπαθεια, moderation in passions or emotions, especially anger and grief, is opposed to the ἀπάθεια of the Stoics; from μέτριος and πάθος); equivalent to μετρίως or κατά τό μέτρον πάσχω, to be affected moderately or in due measure; to preserve moderation in the passions, especially in anger or grief (Philo de Abrah. § 44; de Josepho § 5; (Josephus, Antiquities 12, 3, 2; others)); hence, of one who is not unduly disturbed by the errors, faults, sins, of others, but bears with them gently; like other verbs of emotion (cf. Krüger, § 48, 8), with a dative of the person toward whom the feeling is exercised: Hebrews 5:2; cf. the full discussion by Bleek at the passage. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance have compassion. From a compound of the base of metrios and pathos; to be moderate in passion, i.e. Gentle (to treat indulgently) -- have compassion. see GREEK metrios see GREEK pathos Forms and Transliterations μετριοπαθειν μετριοπαθείν μετριοπαθεῖν metriopathein metriopatheînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |