# Suffer Loss ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Suffer Loss* ([[1-corinthians-03#^1-corinthians-03-15|1 Cor 3:15]]) - *Zemioō* (Gk.): to \"forfeit\", \"sustain loss\", or \"incur a penalty\". The Greek OT uses this verb to denote personal suffering ([[proverbs-22#^proverbs-22-3|Prov 22:3]]) as well as financial penalties ([[exodus-21#^exodus-21-22|Ex 21:22]]; [[deuteronomy-22#^deuteronomy-22-19|Deut 22:19]]; [[proverbs-17#^proverbs-17-26|Prov 17:26]]). The Gospels use it for the frightful prospective of losing eternal life ([[matthew-16#^matthew-16-26|Mt 16:26]]; [[mark-08#^mark-08-36|Mk 8:36]]; [[luke-09#^luke-09-25|Lk 9:25]]). In [[1-corinthians-03#^1-corinthians-03-15|1 Cor 3:15]], it refers to spiritual damage suffered by Christian leaders who are careless and uncommitted in their task of building up the Church. The context suggests that Paul is alluding to labor relations familiar in the ancient world. Indeed this and related terms were used in building contracts to establish fines for damage or defective workmanship on projects that failed to pass inspection. ### Sources [[07-first-corinthians-commentary#^qdam4y|Suffer Loss — word study]]