G3845:

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παραβαίνω (parabainō) translates to “to transgress,” “to go beyond,” or “to violate.” It is a compound verb formed from the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and the verb βαίνω (bainō), meaning “to go” or “to walk.” This combination conveys the idea of stepping outside of established boundaries or laws, emphasizing an action that strays from the intended path. In biblical contexts, παραβαίνω often refers to violations of the Law or moral principles. In Matthew 15:2, the Pharisees question Jesus about His disciples’ actions, implying that they are transgressing the tradition of the elders, highlighting the tension between human customs and divine commandments.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παραβαίνω (parabainō) [par-ab-AI-no]

Etymology: The word is composed of παρά (para, “beside”) and βαίνω (bainō, “to go”), indicating the action of stepping beyond set limits.

Part of Speech: Verb; it is an active verb that conveys an action performed by the subject.

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

Defining Meanings

1. To transgress: This primary meaning highlights the act of violating a law or rule, particularly in a moral or religious sense.

2. To go beyond: This definition emphasizes exceeding boundaries or limits, suggesting an intentional deviation from expected behavior.

3. To violate: In this sense, παραβαίνω refers to breaking a covenant, law, or agreement, often with significant consequences.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀδικέω (adikeō) [ah-dee-KEH-oh]: This verb means “to act unjustly” or “to wrong,” which conveys a similar sense of wrongdoing but does not necessarily imply the violation of specific laws as παραβαίνω does.

2. παρασυνάγω (parasynagō) [par-ah-sy-NAH-go]: Meaning “to gather alongside,” this term implies a form of gathering that may suggest an association with something improper, but it lacks the direct connotation of transgression found in παραβαίνω.

3. καταλείπω (kataleipō) [kat-ah-LEI-poh]: Translated as “to leave behind” or “to abandon,” this word implies a form of neglect or failure to adhere to something, differing from the active transgression indicated by παραβαίνω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: παραβαίνω can appear in various tenses (present, aorist, perfect), typically in the active voice and indicative mood.

• Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st person singular: παραβαίνω (I transgress)

• 2nd person singular: παραβαίνεις (you transgress)

• 3rd person singular: παραβαίνει (he/she/it transgresses)

• Aspect: The verb typically denotes imperfective aspect when in the present tense, suggesting ongoing or repeated action, while in the aorist tense, it indicates a completed action.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παραβαίνω is well-represented in Greek lexicons, reflecting its significance in both classical and biblical contexts. In the New Testament, it often describes the act of violating the Law, particularly in discussions involving Jesus and the Pharisees. Theologically, παραβαίνω underscores the tension between divine commandments and human traditions, illustrating the need for adherence to God’s will rather than human-made laws. In classical literature, the term can reflect broader themes of boundary crossing and moral transgression, emphasizing the consequences of straying from established norms.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 15:2: “Why do your disciples break (παραβαίνω) the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.”

• Romans 2:23: “You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking (παραβαίνω) the law?”

• James 2:10: “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παραβαίνω is utilized to express the concept of transgressing societal norms or laws.

• Plato, in The Republic, discusses the implications of individuals who transgress (παραβαίνω) the established moral laws of the state, indicating the consequences of such actions on society.

• Aristotle, in Nicomachean Ethics, mentions the act of transgressing (παραβαίνω) ethical boundaries and how it affects the virtue of an individual, reflecting on the moral fabric of community life.

• Sophocles, in Antigone, highlights the conflict between divine law and human law, where characters face the consequences of their transgressions (παραβαίνω) against both.

In the Septuagint, παραβαίνω can also be found emphasizing violations of divine law:

• Exodus 23:21: “Pay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression (παραβαίνω), for my name is in him.”

• Isaiah 24:5: “The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed (παραβαίνω) the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.”

• Jeremiah 34:14: “At the end of seven years, each of you must let your fellow Israelites who have sold themselves to you go free. You must not rule over them ruthlessly and be afraid of your God, because your fellow Israelites have been sold to you (παραβαίνω).”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παραβαίνω encapsulates the notion of transgression and violation, particularly in relation to moral and divine laws. Its usage in biblical and classical contexts highlights the importance of adherence to established boundaries and the consequences of straying from them.

Did You Know?

Did you know that παραβαίνω emphasizes not just a single act of transgression but a pattern of behavior that leads one away from divine commandments?

Did you know that the usage of παραβαίνω in the New Testament often highlights the tension between Jesus’ teachings and traditional Jewish law?

Did you know that understanding παραβαίνω can enhance the interpretation of biblical texts that deal with moral and ethical responsibilities?

Strong’s G3845: παραβαίνω (parabainō) means “to transgress,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining moral and ethical boundaries in both biblical and philosophical discussions.

Categories

• Verbs

• Bible Concepts & Themes

Tags

• Transgression

• Morality

• Violation