G3844:

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παρά (para) primarily translates to “beside,” “near,” or “alongside.” It serves as a preposition that conveys the idea of proximity, either physical or metaphorical. The term can also denote a relationship or association, suggesting meanings such as “from,” “with,” or “by.” Its significance in biblical texts is profound, as it often describes the closeness of God to humanity or the intimate relationships among individuals. In Matthew 2:4, the word is used in the context of King Herod’s inquiry about the birthplace of the Messiah, highlighting the proximity of the chief priests and scribes to the prophecies concerning Jesus.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παρά (para) [pah-RAH]

Etymology: The root of παρά indicates a sense of being alongside or in the vicinity of something, often with connotations of support or relationship.

Part of Speech: Preposition; it can take various cases depending on the grammatical construction, commonly governing the genitive, dative, or accusative.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Beside: This primary meaning emphasizes physical proximity, indicating something that is adjacent or next to another.

2. From: In certain contexts, παρά can denote a source or origin, indicating that something comes from a specific place or person.

3. With: The term can also indicate companionship or association, suggesting that something exists in conjunction with something else.

4. Alongside: This meaning reflects the idea of being parallel or in proximity, often implying support or assistance.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πρὸς (pros) [pros]: This preposition means “to” or “toward” and indicates movement toward a point, in contrast to παρά, which emphasizes proximity rather than direction.

2. ἐκ (ek) [ek]: Meaning “out of” or “from,” this word emphasizes a point of origin, differing from παρά, which indicates proximity and relationship.

3. μετὰ (meta) [MEH-tah]: This term means “with” or “among,” emphasizing companionship but with a different nuance than παρά, which focuses more on closeness in position.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Prepositions:

• Morphological Features: παρά can govern different cases, typically the genitive (indicating origin), the dative (indicating proximity), or the accusative (indicating direction).

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παρά is well-documented across various Greek lexicons, reflecting its versatile usage in both biblical and classical literature. In the New Testament, παρά is frequently used to indicate the closeness of individuals to each other or to God, often highlighting relational dynamics. Theologically, it suggests the presence of God alongside humanity, emphasizing His accessibility and readiness to assist or support. Classical uses of παρά often highlight the physical or metaphorical nearness of one entity to another, reinforcing themes of connection and relationship.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 2:4: “And assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”

• Mark 15:41: “There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome.”

• John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παρά is frequently used to describe totality and completeness in various contexts.

• Plato, in The Republic, uses the term to denote the closeness of ideas and how they relate to each other in philosophical discourse.

• Aristotle, in Nicomachean Ethics, discusses the concept of friendship, indicating how friends exist alongside each other (παρά) in mutual support and understanding.

• Herodotus, in Histories, references the physical positioning of armies, highlighting how they are set up beside one another (παρά) for strategic purposes.

In the Septuagint, παρά can be found emphasizing relationships:

• Genesis 2:18: “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him (παρά).’”

• Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (παρά).”

• Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (παρά).”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παρά encapsulates the essence of proximity and relationship, essential for understanding the dynamics of closeness in both biblical and classical contexts. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of individuals and the divine presence alongside humanity.

Did You Know?

Did you know that παρά emphasizes not just physical closeness but also emotional and relational bonds in biblical narratives?

Did you know that this preposition is frequently used in the New Testament to signify God’s nearness and support to His people?

Did you know that the usage of παρά in classical texts often reflects philosophical discussions about the nature of relationships and their importance in society?

Strong’s G3844: παρά (para) means “beside,” “near,” or “from,” highlighting the significance of proximity and relational dynamics in understanding biblical and philosophical contexts.

Categories

• Prepositions

• Biblical Concepts & Themes

• Important Words

Tags

• Proximity

• Relationship

• Closeness