[Greek] συμπαθέω (sympatheō), [Latin] conpati: to suffer with, have a fellow feeling, to sympathize, to bear with, to commiserate, to have sympathy for, to be touched with, to share in suffering
Jesus, the High Priest, is the one who perfectly atones for our sins
Background Information:
Old Testament: Interestingly, this term is not found in the Septuagint. However, 4 Macc., although not considered canonical, contains Hebrew theology and Greek philosophy. This book was written for the Hellenized Jews. 4 Macc. speaks of brotherly affection and God having sympathy for His people. When sympathy and brotherly affection had been established, the brothers were more sympathetic to each other (4 Macc.13:23). The Law, established by God, provided that the people do not eat defiling foods. It is in the nature of things that the Creator has shown sympathy to His people. In other words, God knows what is best for His people.
New Testament: Suffering is widely discussed in the New Testament. However, this term is only found twice in the book of Hebrews. The predominate sense of this term is to convey understanding, sympathetic participation, and concern for the welfare of others. Essentially, Jesus manifests a “fellow feeling” for us. This provides the motivation for the Son to take on flesh and our sins on the Cross. This term is also used to provide support for those who have endured abuse, hardship, and affliction. Jesus tells them not lose their confidence in what God has promised them.
Scripture:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15
This gives the reason and motivation for Christ to take on flesh and sin. He is the only one who is righteous and obedient to make atonement for our sins. This speaks to His authority as High Priest.
“You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.” Heb. 10:34
Christ’s compassion exists in those who can also suffer with those who suffer. It was fairly common for Christians to be imprisoned for their faith. Joyfully accepting confiscation of property allows one to focus less on material possessions. This better possession is reliance on Jesus.
St. Ignatius’ Letter to the Romans (written 110 A.D.): “Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God.”
Ignatius asks the Roman Christians for their understanding (“fellow-feeling”) of his motives for martyrdom.
Conclusion:
Sympathy, sympathetic, compassion
I was surprised how infrequently this term appears in the Old Testament. It doesn’t appear at all! Perhaps, other Greek terms are used to convey this meaning. Instead, this term appears in 4 Macc. In my research, I have developed a greater appreciation for all the Maccabees books (including the non-canonical books). It was interesting to see the more nuanced meanings of this term in both the Old Testament. God seeing what is best for us. You cannot get more nuanced than that! This also has helped me to get a little more insight on Heb.4:15 on why Jesus put Himself on the Cross for us.