Strong’s G3951: A compound verb combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ὀτρύνω (to urge), meaning “to stir up, incite, or instigate.” Used in Acts 13:50 describing opposition to Paul’s ministry. Emphasizes deliberate instigation of hostile action, particularly in contexts of persecution against early Christians.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροτρύνω describes intentional instigation of hostile action. In its sole New Testament usage, it depicts the stirring up of persecution against Paul and Barnabas. The compound structure intensifies the basic meaning of urging or inciting. Early church writers used this term to discuss persecution dynamics and organized opposition to the gospel. Today, it helps understand patterns of resistance to Christian ministry and organized opposition to truth.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παροτρύνω, parotrynō, /par-ot-ROO-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ot + ROO (stressed) + no
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
• ὀτρύνω (otrynō): to urge, incite
• Combined to express intensified instigation

D – Defining Meanings

• To stir up
• To incite
• To instigate hostility

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies ὀτρύνω’s meaning of urging, creating the sense of deliberate provocation

Translation Options:

• “To stir up” – emphasizes agitation
• “To incite” – captures instigation
• “To instigate” – stresses deliberate action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παροξύνω (paroxynō) /par-ox-OO-no/ – to provoke, more general
• ἐρεθίζω (erethizō) /er-eth-ID-zo/ – to stir up, less intense
• ἀναστατόω (anastatoō) /an-as-tat-OH-o/ – to upset, cause trouble

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παροτρύνω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:
παροτρύνω (I incite)
παρώτρυναν (they incited)
παροτρύνειν (to incite)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its hostile connotations. Thayer’s notes its use in persecution contexts. LSJ documents classical usage for political instigation. Vine’s highlights its intentional nature. Moulton and Milligan note its use in conflict situations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But the Jews [παροτρύνω] incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district” (Acts 13:50)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παροτρύνω represents deliberate instigation of hostile action, particularly significant in understanding organized opposition to gospel ministry.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in political contexts
• It appears in descriptions of organized persecution
• The word influenced early Christian martyrdom accounts

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ὀτρύνω (to urge), meaning “to stir up, incite, or instigate.” Used in Acts 13:50 describing opposition to Paul’s ministry. Emphasizes deliberate instigation of hostile action, particularly in contexts of persecution against early Christians.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #persecution #acts #paul #opposition #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #ministry #resistance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​