Brief Overview of πάρειμι (Strong’s G3918: pareimi)

Strong’s G3918: A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with εἰμί (to be), meaning “to be present, to have arrived, to be at hand.” Used in both temporal and spatial contexts. In the New Testament, it often carries theological significance, particularly regarding divine presence, judgment, or significant moments in salvation history.

U- Unveiling the Word

πάρειμι embodies both physical and spiritual presence. In its compound form, it emphasizes being alongside or present with someone or something. Its first New Testament usage occurs at Jesus’s arrest, highlighting the gravity of presence in decisive moments. The word appears in contexts ranging from physical arrival to spiritual readiness and divine presence. Early church fathers used this term to discuss Christ’s presence in the church and the imminence of spiritual realities. Today, it continues to express both the reality of Christ’s presence with believers and the importance of being present in crucial spiritual moments.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πάρειμι, pareimi, /par-AY-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + AY (stressed) + mee (as in ‘me’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρά (para-): beside, alongside
• εἰμί (eimi): to be
• Combined to express presence or arrival

D – Defining Meanings

• To be present
• To have arrived
• To be at hand

For compound words:
παρά adds the sense of proximity or presence to εἰμί’s basic meaning of existence, creating the concept of being present or alongside

Translation Options:

• “To be present” – emphasizes current presence
• “To have arrived” – focuses on completed movement
• “To be at hand” – captures immediacy and availability

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παραγίνομαι (paraginomai) /par-ag-IN-o-mai/ – to come alongside, arrive
• παρουσία (parousia) /par-oo-SEE-ah/ – presence, coming
• ἔνειμι (eneimi) /EN-ay-mee/ – to be in, exist within

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πάρειμι exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Stative

Examples:
πάρειμι (I am present)
πάρει (you are present)
πάρεστι(ν) (he/she/it is present)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual presence. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of arrival and availability. LSJ documents extensive classical usage for presence and assistance. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in legal documents for personal appearance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you [πάρειμι] came to do'” (Matthew 26:50)

Additional References:
Luke 13:1, Acts 10:21, Acts 12:20, Acts 17:6, Acts 24:19, 1 Corinthians 5:3, 2 Corinthians 11:9, Galatians 4:18, Colossians 1:6, Hebrews 12:11, 2 Peter 1:9, 2 Peter 1:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πάρειμι signifies both physical and spiritual presence, emphasizing the state of being alongside or available. Its usage spans practical arrival to theological concepts of divine presence and readiness.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears at crucial moments in the gospel narrative
• It influenced early Christian understanding of Christ’s presence in the church
• The term shares its root with parousia, the word for Christ’s second coming

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with εἰμί (to be), meaning “to be present, to have arrived, to be at hand.” Used in both temporal and spatial contexts. In the New Testament, it often carries theological significance, particularly regarding divine presence, judgment, or significant moments in salvation history.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #presence #arrival #divine_presence #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #christology #parousia #salvation_history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​