This Greek term literally means “by the sea” or “maritime,” describing coastal regions or seaside areas. In its New Testament usage, it specifically refers to the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon mentioned in Luke 6:17.

U – Unveiling the Word

παράλιος combines the preposition παρά (beside/alongside) with ἅλς (sea), creating a term that describes locations or regions adjacent to the sea. Its significance lies in describing the geographical reach of Jesus’ ministry, showing how his message reached both inland and coastal populations. Today, this word remains relevant in understanding historical Mediterranean geography and the spread of early Christianity along coastal trade routes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παράλιος, paralios, /par-AL-ee-os/
• Etymology: From παρά (para, “beside”) + ἅλς (hals, “sea”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

D – Defining Meanings

Primary meaning: Situated by or near the sea; coastal
Secondary meaning: Of or pertaining to maritime regions
Extended meaning: Describing inhabitants of coastal regions

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παραθαλάσσιος (parathalassios): Also means “by the sea” but specifically uses θάλασσα (sea) rather than ἅλς
• ἐπιθαλάσσιος (epithalassios): Meaning “on the sea,” emphasizing position above or upon the coast

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, παράλιος exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: παράλιος
• Genitive singular: παραλίου
• Dative singular: παραλίῳ
• Accusative singular: παράλιον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines παράλιος as “situated by the sea, maritime.” Thayer’s emphasizes its use as both an adjective and substantive noun. LSJ notes its common usage in classical Greek for coastal regions. Vine’s connects it to geographical descriptions in Luke’s writing style. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature. The lexicons consistently highlight its straightforward geographical meaning.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: Luke 6:17

“And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the maritime [παράλιος] region of Tyre and Sidon.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παράλιος serves as a precise geographical term describing coastal regions, particularly significant in Luke’s account of Jesus’ ministry reaching diverse populations along the Mediterranean coast.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in ancient shipping documents and maritime trade records
2. It appears in various forms in Greek literature spanning over 1000 years
3. The concept helped early Christians track the spread of the gospel along coastal routes

Strong’s G3882: παράλιος – An adjective denoting coastal or maritime locations, derived from παρά (beside) + ἅλς (sea). Used in NT to describe the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, highlighting the geographical extent of Jesus’ ministry and the diverse audiences reached by early Christian teaching.

Part of Speech: Adjective

Tags: #GeographicalTerm #CoastalRegion #BiblicalLocation #GreekAdjective #MaritimeVocabulary #LukeVocabulary #NewTestamentGeography

Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​