Brief Overview of παραπίπτω (Strong’s G3895: parapiptō)

Strong’s G3895: παραπίπτω – A compound verb combining παρά (aside from) with πίπτω (to fall), meaning to fall away or deviate from the right path. Used in biblical contexts to describe serious spiritual apostasy, particularly in Hebrews where it warns against falling away from the faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραπίπτω literally means “to fall beside” or “to fall away,” but carries the deeper meaning of spiritual deviation or apostasy. In New Testament usage, particularly in Hebrews, it describes a serious falling away from faith, beyond simple stumbling or temporary backsliding. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the gravity of apostasy and the question of restoration for those who had fallen away. Today, it remains significant in discussions about perseverance in faith, spiritual commitment, and the consequences of abandoning Christian belief.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραπίπτω, parapiptō, /par-ap-ip’-to/
• Detailed Pronunciation: par (as in ‘par-ent’) – ap (as in ‘ap-ple’) – ip (as in ‘ip-se’) – to (as in ‘toe’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρά (para): prefix meaning “beside, away from”
• πίπτω (piptō): root verb meaning “to fall”
• The combination creates the concept of falling away or aside from a position

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To fall away from a position or belief
• For compound word components:
• παρά indicates deviation or movement away
• πίπτω conveys the action of falling
• Together they express deliberate deviation or apostasy
• Translation options:

1. “To fall away” – emphasizes the movement from truth
2. “To apostatize” – captures the religious significance
3. “To deviate” – reflects the turning aside aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκπίπτω (ekpiptō, /ek-pip’-to/) – to fall out from, emphasizing complete separation
• ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, /af-is’-tay-mee/) – to stand away from, focusing on conscious departure
• σφάλλω (sphallō, /sfal’-lo/) – to cause to fall, emphasizing the causative aspect

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist)

Common forms:

• Present: παραπίπτω (I fall away)
• Aorist: παρέπεσον (I fell away)
• Perfect: παραπέπτωκα (I have fallen away)

Related words:

• παράπτωμα (noun) – transgression
• ἔκπτωσις (noun) – falling away

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes παραπίπτω’s connection to serious apostasy. Thayer’s highlights its use in contexts of deliberate deviation from truth. LSJ notes its classical usage for falling aside from a path. Vine’s connects it to willful abandonment of faith. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting movement away. LEH and Moulton-Milligan document its serious religious connotations in Hellenistic literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“If they fall away [παραπίπτω], to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” (Hebrews 6:6)

Additional References:
Ezekiel 14:13 (Septuagint)
Ezekiel 15:8 (Septuagint)
Wisdom 6:9 (Septuagint)

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραπίπτω represents a serious falling away or deviation, particularly in spiritual contexts. Its usage in Hebrews emphasizes the gravity of apostasy and serves as a solemn warning about maintaining faith commitment.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term appears frequently in Greek translations of Old Testament prophetic warnings
2. Early church councils debated its implications for church discipline
3. The word influenced Christian theological discussions about the possibility of losing salvation

Strong’s G3895: παραπίπτω – A compound verb combining παρά (aside from) with πίπτω (to fall), meaning to fall away or deviate from the right path. Used in biblical contexts to describe serious spiritual apostasy, particularly in Hebrews where it warns against falling away from the faith.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #apostasy #fallingAway #deviation #GreekVerbs #HebrewsVocabulary #BiblicalWarnings #Apostasy #ChurchDiscipline #BiblicalGreek #StrongsG3895