Brief Overview of παρουσία (Strong’s G3952: parousia)

Strong’s G3952: A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with οὐσία (being), meaning “presence, coming, arrival.” Primary term for Christ’s Second Coming in the New Testament. Also used for physical presence and official visits. Originally used for royal or imperial visits, lending authority to its eschatological usage.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρουσία carries profound theological significance in describing Christ’s Second Coming. In secular usage, it described official visits by rulers or dignitaries, bringing this royal connotation to its Christian usage. The compound structure emphasizes personal presence or arrival. Early church fathers used this term extensively in developing eschatological doctrine. Today, it remains central to Christian hope and end-times teaching, emphasizing both the certainty and majesty of Christ’s return.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρουσία, parousia, /par-oo-SEE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + oo + SEE (stressed) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• οὐσία (ousia): being, presence
• -ία (-ia): abstract noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Coming, arrival
• Presence
• Official visit

For compound words:
παρα- combines with οὐσία to express the concept of being present alongside, emphasizing physical presence

Translation Options:

• “Coming” – emphasizes future aspect
• “Presence” – emphasizes physical reality
• “Arrival” – captures both aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) /ep-if-AN-ee-ah/ – appearing, manifestation
• ἔλευσις (eleusis) /EL-yoo-sis/ – coming, more general
• ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) /ap-ok-AL-oop-sis/ – revelation

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρουσία exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παρουσία (nom.)
παρουσίας (gen.)
παρουσίαι (nom. pl.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both secular and theological usage. Thayer’s notes its royal associations. LSJ documents extensive usage for official visits. Vine’s highlights its eschatological significance. Moulton and Milligan note its use in administrative documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your [παρουσία] coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)

Additional References:
Matthew 24:27,37,39, 1 Corinthians 15:23, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:1,8, James 5:7-8, 2 Peter 1:16, 3:4,12, 1 John 2:28

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρουσία represents both Christ’s future return and the concept of authoritative presence, combining secular royal visit imagery with divine eschatological significance.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was used for visits by emperors and high officials
• It appears 24 times in the New Testament
• The word influenced development of Christian eschatology

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with οὐσία (being), meaning “presence, coming, arrival.” Primary term for Christ’s Second Coming in the New Testament. Also used for physical presence and official visits. Originally used for royal or imperial visits, lending authority to its eschatological usage.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #second_coming #eschatology #presence #christ #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #return #royalty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​