The Greek noun asthenema (ἀσθένημα) means "weakness, infirmity, failing" — a form derived from asthenes (G772) that emphasizes the condition or result of weakness. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 15:1, where Paul addresses the specific weaknesses of conscience that some believers experience.
In Romans 15:1, Paul writes: "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings (asthenemata) of the weak and not to please ourselves." This is the culmination of his extended discussion (Romans 14–15) about strong and weak believers — primarily disputes over food, days, and conscience. The "strong" (those whose faith allows greater freedom) are called not to exercise their liberty at the expense of the "weak" (those with more restricted consciences). This reflects Christ's own pattern: He "did not please himself" but bore the reproaches meant for others (Romans 15:3, quoting Psalm 69:9). Christian strength is measured by how it serves the weak.