Sympathize (4834) (sumpatheo from sun = with pictures an intimate connection with + pascho [word study] = suffer; English = "sympathy") is the a feeling for or capacity for sharing in the interests of another - an affinity, association, or relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other; unity or harmony in action or effect. Sympathy (As you read the definition ponder Jesus' ability and desire to sympathize with us as His brethren) - Fellow feeling; the quality of being affected by the affection of another, with feelings correspondent in kind, if not in degree. We feel sympathy for another when we see him in distress, or when we are informed of his distresses. This sympathy is a correspondent feeling of pain or regret. In medicine, a correspondence of various parts of the body in similar sensations or affections; or an affection of the whole body or some part of it, in consequence of an injury or disease of another part, or of a local affection. Thus a contusion on the head will produce nausea and vomiting. To sympathize is to have a common feeling. To feel in consequence of what another feels; to be affected by feelings similar to those of another, in consequence of knowing the person to be thus affected. We sympathize with our friends in distress; we feel some pain when we see them pained, or when we are informed of their distresses, even at a distance. (Webster's 1828) Jesus is able to experience pain jointly with us. The exalted High Priest suffers together with the weaknesses of the those who are being tested and brings active help! This word group (sumpatheo, sumpathes = compassionate in 1Pe 3:8-note) often suggests a tender concern can also imply a power to enter into another’s emotional experience of any sort. It expresses the feeling of what others feel so that one can respond with sensitivity to the need. People who have true "sympathy" generally do not say, "I know how you feel." Because since they know how you feel, they also know how unhelpful it is to hear someone say, "I know how you feel." True sympathy is a fairly quiet, time-intensive, presence-intensive way of being. The only other NT use of the verb sympatheo is also in Hebrews (no uses in the Septuagint)... Hebrews 10:34-note For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Phillips... The Lord you serve, the Savior to whom you look, is not aloof from your trials, but feels them with intimate acquaintance. He is not disinterested or cold to what you are going through; he came to this earth and took up our human nature precisely so that he might now be able to have a fellow feeling with us. Therefore, he is eminently able to represent you before the throne of his heavenly Father, pleading your cause, securing your place, and procuring the spiritual resources you need. (Reformed Expository Commentary) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/hebrews_415.htm#s