G3857:

Brief Overview of παράδεισος (Strong’s G3857: parádeisos)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek noun παράδεισος (parádeisos) primarily means “paradise” or “heavenly garden,” representing a place of bliss, beauty, and divine presence. This term carries significant theological implications, especially in the context of biblical texts where it signifies the afterlife or the eternal state of happiness for believers. In Luke 23:43, Jesus promises the repentant thief that he will be with Him in paradise, highlighting the concept of immediate posthumous reward. The word is rooted in the Old Persian pairidaēza, meaning “walled garden,” which was later adopted into Greek, emphasizing a lush, cultivated space associated with joy and peace.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παράδεισος (parádeisos) [pah-RAI-dee-sos]

Etymology: The term derives from the Old Persian pairidaēza, which translates to “enclosure” or “garden,” indicating a protected, beautiful space. Its incorporation into Greek reflects a cultural appreciation for gardens as symbols of prosperity and divine favor.

Part of Speech: Noun. παράδεισος is a feminine noun, typically found in both singular and plural forms. It is used in various cases, primarily the nominative and accusative.

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

Defining Meanings

Heavenly garden: The primary meaning of παράδεισος refers to an idyllic, lush garden, often representing the Garden of Eden or a similar divine space.

Place of bliss: It can denote a state or place of happiness and contentment, especially in relation to the afterlife.

Symbol of divine favor: The term also conveys the notion of being in favor with God, reflecting a spiritual condition of peace and fulfillment.

Exploring Similar Words

Εδέμ (Edēm) [eh-DAYM]: This word refers specifically to the Garden of Eden, the biblical paradise from which humanity was expelled. While both terms imply beauty and divine presence, Edēm has a more specific geographical and historical context.

Ουρανός (Ouranós) [oo-rah-NOS]: Meaning “heaven,” this term emphasizes the celestial abode of God and angels, contrasting with παράδεισος, which signifies a more intimate, earthly paradise.

Αβραάμ (Abraám) [ah-vrah-AM]: Referring to Abraham, often associated with the “bosom of Abraham,” a place of comfort for the righteous. This term highlights a relational aspect of paradise, emphasizing the personal connection between the faithful and God.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παράδεισος is a feminine noun. In the nominative singular, it is παράδεισος; in the genitive singular, it is παραδείσου; in the accusative singular, it is παράδεισον. In the plural, the nominative is παράδεισοι.

Declension: As a feminine noun, παράδεισος follows the first declension pattern in Greek, adapting its form based on case and number.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παράδεισος is explored in various Greek lexicons with significant theological implications. BDAG emphasizes its connection to the Jewish understanding of the afterlife, illustrating the term’s role in the teachings of Jesus regarding salvation and paradise. Thayer’s provides insights into its usage in both biblical and classical literature, highlighting the continuity of meaning across contexts. LSJ underscores its connection to idyllic spaces and divine favor, reflecting cultural values associated with gardens in ancient societies. Vine’s relates it to the eschatological promises of eternal life in the New Testament. Strong’s notes its role in depicting a place of peace and communion with God, while LEH and Moulton and Milligan elaborate on its usage in describing the joys of the afterlife and the rewards for righteousness.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 23:43: “And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ (παράδεισος)”

Revelation 2:7: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (παράδεισος)

2 Corinthians 12:4: “And he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.” (παράδεισος)

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παράδεισος is often associated with idealized spaces and divine favor.

Xenophon, Cyropaedia: “The gardens of Cyrus were a paradise (παράδεισος) filled with all manner of delights and beauty.”

Plato, Phaedrus: “In the realm of the divine, the soul seeks the paradise (παράδεισος) where truth and beauty abound.”

Aristotle, Politics: “The ideal state should resemble a paradise (παράδεισος), fostering virtue and communal well-being.”

In the Septuagint, the term is used similarly.

Septuagint Example 1: Genesis 2:8: “And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed.” (παράδεισος)

Septuagint Example 2: Ecclesiastes 2:5: “I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees.” (παράδεισος)

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 51:3: “For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord.” (παράδεισος)

Noteworthy Summary

The word παράδεισος carries profound significance in both biblical and classical literature, denoting a place of beauty, peace, and divine presence. Its usage highlights theological concepts of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Did You Know?

The concept of paradise has been influential across various cultures, symbolizing ultimate joy and communion with the divine.

In Christian theology, the promise of paradise represents the hope of eternal life and the fulfillment of faith.

The association of paradise with gardens reflects ancient values related to nature, beauty, and the divine provision for humanity.

Strong’s G3857: παράδεισος (parádeisos) means “paradise” or “heavenly garden,” symbolizing eternal joy and divine presence, particularly relevant in biblical promises of afterlife.

Part of Speech: Noun

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, paradise, afterlife, eternal life