G3849:

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παραβιάζομαι (parabiazomai) translates to “to force” or “to violate.” It is derived from the combination of the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and the verb βιάζω (biazō), meaning “to force” or “to compel.” This word primarily indicates an act of coercion or compulsion that leads to an infringement upon someone’s rights or boundaries. The significance of παραβιάζομαι in biblical texts often revolves around themes of spiritual integrity and the violation of God’s commandments. In Luke 24:29, the disciples urge Jesus to stay with them, highlighting the importance of their relationship and the violation that would occur if He departed.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παραβιάζομαι (parabiazomai) [par-ab-ee-AH-zoh-my]

Etymology: The word combines παρά (para, “beside”) and βιάζω (biazō, “to force”), suggesting an action that compels or coerces beyond acceptable limits.

Part of Speech: Verb; it is a middle voice verb indicating an action that reflects upon the subject’s involvement or participation.

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

Defining Meanings

1. To force: This primary meaning conveys the act of compelling someone against their will, suggesting a violation of personal autonomy.

2. To violate: This definition emphasizes breaking or infringing upon established laws or moral codes, particularly in a spiritual context.

3. To compel: In a broader sense, παραβιάζομαι can refer to pressuring someone to act in a particular way, often disregarding their consent or rights.

Exploring Similar Words

1. βιάζω (biazō) [bee-AH-zoh]: This verb means “to force” or “to compel,” and it serves as the root for παραβιάζομαι. The primary difference is that βιάζω emphasizes the action of forcing itself, while παραβιάζομαι highlights the violation involved in that act.

2. ἀναιρέω (anaireō) [ah-nah-REH-oh]: Meaning “to take up” or “to remove,” this term focuses more on the act of taking away rather than the coercive aspect associated with παραβιάζομαι.

3. καταλύω (katalyō) [kat-ah-LOO-oh]: This verb means “to destroy” or “to abolish,” implying a complete dismantling, differing from παραβιάζομαι, which emphasizes violation rather than destruction.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

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

• Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st person singular: παραβιάζομαι (I force)

• 2nd person singular: παραβιάζεσαι (you force)

• 3rd person singular: παραβιάζεται (he/she/it forces)

• Aspect: The verb generally denotes imperfective aspect in the present tense, suggesting ongoing action, while the aorist form indicates a completed action.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παραβιάζομαι is documented in several Greek lexicons, highlighting its significance in both biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, it often appears in discussions about the integrity of one’s faith and the pressure to conform to societal expectations, showcasing the tension between divine commandments and human influence. Theologically, παραβιάζομαι underscores the importance of free will in the believer’s relationship with God, indicating that genuine faith cannot be coerced. In classical literature, the concept of forcing or violating is examined within the context of ethics and moral responsibility, stressing the consequences of such actions on individuals and communities.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Luke 24:29: “But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.’ So he went in to stay with them.”

• Matthew 11:12: “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force (παραβιάζομαι).”

• Acts 16:37: “But Paul said to them, ‘They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παραβιάζομαι is utilized to express the concepts of coercion and violation.

• Plato, in The Republic, addresses the implications of forcing individuals to act against their will, discussing the ethical dimensions of such actions.

• Aristotle, in Politics, examines the effects of coercion on societal structures, arguing that forced actions undermine the foundations of justice.

• Sophocles, in Oedipus Rex, portrays characters who confront the consequences of coercive actions and their moral implications.

In the Septuagint, παραβιάζομαι may not appear directly, but similar concepts are present:

• Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder (παραβιάζομαι).”

• Proverbs 17:15: “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord (παραβιάζομαι).”

• 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 (παραβιάζομαι), so sin will not be your downfall.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παραβιάζομαι encapsulates the notion of coercion and violation, essential for understanding the dynamics of personal integrity and moral responsibility in both biblical and classical contexts. Its usage emphasizes the importance of free will and the consequences of forcing actions upon others.

Did You Know?

Did you know that παραβιάζομαι underscores the importance of free will in a believer’s relationship with God?

Did you know that this term appears in discussions about societal pressures that conflict with divine commandments?

Did you know that understanding παραβιάζομαι can deepen your interpretation of texts that deal with moral integrity and the pressures faced by believers?

Strong’s G3849: παραβιάζομαι (parabiazomai) means “to force” or “to violate,” highlighting the complexities of coercion and personal integrity in ethical and theological discussions.

Categories

• Verbs

• Bible Concepts & Themes

Tags

• Coercion

• Violation

• Moral Integrity