G3854:

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb παραγίνομαι (paragínomai) primarily means “to come alongside,” “to arrive,” or “to be present.” It encompasses the idea of appearing or coming into existence, often in relation to significant events or contexts. The term is particularly significant in biblical narratives, such as in Matthew 2:1, where it is used to describe the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. Its roots can be traced back to the prefix παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and γίνομαι (gínomai), which means “to become” or “to come into being.” This combination underscores the relational and transformational aspects of the term.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παραγίνομαι (paragínomai) [pah-rah-GHEE-noh-my]

Etymology: The verb is a compound formed from παρά (pará) and γίνομαι (gínomai). The prefix indicates proximity or association, while the root verb implies a process of becoming or coming into being.

Part of Speech: Verb. παραγίνομαι is a deponent verb, which means it is used in a middle or passive voice but carries an active meaning. It is predominantly found in the present tense and can also appear in other tenses.

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

Defining Meanings

To come alongside: The primary meaning is to arrive or to be present in a location, often suggesting a sense of companionship or support.

To become present: This meaning highlights the act of coming into existence or being part of a situation, often with significance.

To appear: The verb can also imply the act of appearing in a notable manner, especially in the context of significant events or divine interventions.

Exploring Similar Words

γίνομαι (gínomai) [GHEE-noh-my]: This verb means “to become” or “to happen.” While it shares the root with παραγίνομαι, it does not carry the same sense of proximity or arrival.

παρίσταμαι (parístamai) [pah-REE-stah-my]: This term means “to stand beside” or “to be present.” It emphasizes the aspect of presence more than the act of arriving, differing from παραγίνομαι.

συναγωγή (synagōgē) [soo-nah-go-GHEE]: Meaning “to gather together,” this word relates to assembly rather than the individual act of arriving, thus contrasting with παραγίνομαι’s focus on presence.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

Tense, Voice, Mood: παραγίνομαι is typically used in the present tense, indicative mood, and middle voice, indicating an action that is ongoing or current.

Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st person singular: παραγίνομαι (I come alongside)

• 2nd person singular: παραγίνῃ (You come alongside)

• 3rd person singular: παραγίνεται (He/She/It comes alongside)

Aspect: The verb presents an imperfective aspect, emphasizing the ongoing nature of coming into presence or being, rather than a completed action.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various Greek lexicons, παραγίνομαι is recognized for its relational and contextual meanings. BDAG emphasizes its usage in the context of significant arrivals, particularly in narratives of divine intervention or notable events, such as the coming of the Magi. Thayer’s provides a comprehensive view, noting its dual emphasis on physical arrival and the idea of becoming part of a situation. LSJ highlights its application in both classical and biblical contexts, focusing on the transformative aspect of presence. Vine’s associates the word with themes of companionship and divine involvement. Strong’s reiterates its significance in biblical narratives where presence and arrival hold theological implications. LEH and Moulton and Milligan further explore its use in ancient texts, underlining its importance in various cultural and social contexts.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 2:1: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying…” (παραγίνομαι)

Luke 2:15: “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (παραγίνομαι)

John 1:9: “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (παραγίνομαι)

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παραγίνομαι is used to signify significant arrivals and presences.

Homer, Iliad: “The heroes came (παραγίνομαι) to the battlefield, ready to fight for glory.”

Plato, Phaedrus: “When the time came (παραγίνομαι), the lover appeared beside his beloved.”

Aristotle, Rhetoric: “The presence of the orator (παραγίνομαι) commands attention and respect.”

In the Septuagint, the term appears similarly to denote important arrivals or interventions.

Septuagint Example 1: Genesis 18:2: “And when he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing (παραγίνομαι) in front of him.”

Septuagint Example 2: Exodus 3:4: “When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ (παραγίνομαι)”

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 6:1: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” (παραγίνομαι)

Noteworthy Summary

The verb παραγίνομαι is significant in biblical and classical contexts for its emphasis on presence, arrival, and transformation. Its usage illustrates the importance of coming into being alongside others, often in moments of divine significance.

Did You Know?

The usage of παραγίνομαι highlights the importance of arrivals in biblical narratives, particularly during key events such as the birth of Jesus.

In the New Testament, the term underscores the concept of divine presence, particularly in the context of significant spiritual moments.

The word also appears in classical Greek literature, emphasizing the relational aspects of presence in social and political contexts.

Strong’s G3854: παραγίνομαι (paragínomai) means “to come alongside” or “to arrive,” emphasizing relational presence and transformation, particularly in significant biblical events.

Part of Speech: Verb

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, presence, arrival, transformation