G3847:

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παραβάσις (parabasus) translates to “transgression,” “violation,” or “breach.” It is derived from the verb παραβαίνω (parabainō), which means “to go beyond” or “to transgress.” The prefix παρά (para) suggests a sense of crossing over or stepping aside from established boundaries, while the root βαίνω (bainō) means “to go” or “to walk.” The significance of παραβάσις lies in its connotation of moral and ethical violations, particularly in relation to divine law. In Romans 2:23, Paul discusses how those who boast in the Law may themselves commit violations (παραβάσις), emphasizing the hypocrisy of not adhering to the very commandments they promote.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παραβάσις (parabasus) [par-ah-BAH-sis]

Etymology: The word combines παρά (para, “beside” or “alongside”) with βάσις (basis, “a going” or “a stepping”), indicating a deviation from a path or set rule.

Part of Speech: Noun; it is a feminine noun that denotes a specific act of transgression.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Transgression: This primary meaning highlights the act of breaking a law or rule, especially in a moral or religious context.

2. Violation: This definition emphasizes the breach of a covenant or agreement, often with implications of guilt or culpability.

3. Breach: In a broader sense, παραβάσις can refer to any breaking of trust or failure to adhere to established norms.

Exploring Similar Words

1. παραβάτης (parabates) [par-ah-BAH-tays]: This term means “transgressor” and refers to an individual who commits a transgression (παραβάσις). It emphasizes the person engaged in the act of violating the law.

2. ἀνομία (anomia) [ah-no-MEE-ah]: Meaning “lawlessness,” this word describes a state of being without law or moral order, which relates to παραβάσις in terms of ethical violation but focuses more on the absence of law itself.

3. ἁμαρτία (hamartia) [ham-ar-TEE-ah]: Translated as “sin,” this word encompasses a broader range of moral failings, while παραβάσις specifically denotes violations of established law.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

• Case, Number, Gender: παραβάσις is in the nominative case, singular number, and feminine gender.

• Declension: It follows the standard pattern for feminine nouns in the first declension.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παραβάσις is well-represented in Greek lexicons, reflecting its importance in both biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, it frequently describes the violation of God’s Law, particularly in discussions surrounding the nature of sin and righteousness. Theologically, παραβάσις underscores the seriousness of moral failing and the need for accountability within the community of believers. In classical literature, the concept of transgression is often explored in the context of personal ethics and societal norms, illustrating the consequences of deviating from accepted standards.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Romans 2:23: “You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking (παραβάσις) the law.”

• James 2:9: “But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (παραβάσις).”

• 1 John 3:4: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness (παραβάσις).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παραβάσις is utilized to express the concept of violating established norms or laws.

• Plato, in The Republic, discusses the consequences of transgressing (παραβάσις) societal laws and the importance of adhering to justice for the good of the city.

• Aristotle, in Nicomachean Ethics, highlights the moral implications of transgressing (παραβάσις) ethical boundaries, examining how such actions affect personal virtue and community welfare.

• Sophocles, in Antigone, portrays the conflict arising from acts of transgression (παραβάσις) against divine law, emphasizing the tension between human authority and moral obligation.

In the Septuagint, παραβάσις may not appear directly, but the concept of transgression is reflected in various contexts:

• Leviticus 5:19: “It is a guilt offering; he has indeed incurred guilt (παραβάσις) against the Lord.”

• Jeremiah 31:34: “And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin (παραβάσις) no more.”

• Ezekiel 18:30: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your offenses (παραβάσις), so sin will not be your downfall.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παραβάσις encapsulates the essence 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 παραβάσις 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 παραβάσις in the New Testament often highlights the tension between believers’ actions and their claims of righteousness?

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

Strong’s G3847: παραβάσις (parabasis) means “transgression” or “violation,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining moral and ethical boundaries in both biblical and philosophical discussions.

Categories

• Nouns

• Bible Concepts & Themes

Tags

• Transgression

• Morality

• Violation