G3860:

Brief Overview of παραδίδωμι (Strong’s G3860: paradídōmi)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi) means “to hand over,” “to deliver,” or “to give.” This term carries significant implications in both secular and theological contexts, emphasizing the act of transferring something from one party to another. In 1 Matthew 4:12, it is used to indicate the delivery of Jesus’ message and mission following John’s imprisonment. The word is composed of the prefix παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and δίδωμι (dídōmi), meaning “to give.” This combination highlights the relational aspect of giving or transferring, where something is moved from one person or context to another, often carrying weighty connotations regarding authority and responsibility.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi) [pah-rah-DEE-thoh-mee]

Etymology: The word derives from the combination of παρά (pará), which suggests proximity or alongside, and δίδωμι (dídōmi), which means “to give.” This etymology emphasizes the act of giving in a manner that involves some form of transaction or transfer.

Part of Speech: Verb. παραδίδωμι is a deponent verb, meaning it is primarily found in a passive form but has an active meaning. It appears in various tenses, including present and aorist, and can be conjugated in multiple moods.

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

Defining Meanings

To hand over: The primary meaning of παραδίδωμι is to physically transfer or deliver something from one person to another.

To deliver: This term can also refer to the act of delivering a message, responsibility, or authority, especially in legal or theological contexts.

To betray: A secondary meaning implies the notion of betrayal, particularly in contexts where something or someone is given over to an adversary or to a harmful situation, such as in the case of Judas betraying Jesus.

Exploring Similar Words

δίδωμι (dídōmi) [DEE-thoh-mee]: This verb means “to give” and is more general than παραδίδωμι, which emphasizes the aspect of handing over or transferring ownership.

παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō) [pah-rah-lahm-BAH-noh]: This term means “to take alongside” or “to receive,” focusing more on the action of receiving rather than the act of transferring.

ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) [ah-poh-DEE-thoh-mee]: Meaning “to give back” or “to restore,” this term emphasizes the return of something rather than the initial act of handing over.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

Tense, Voice, Mood: παραδίδωμι is used in various tenses, most commonly the present and aorist tenses, in both the active and middle voices.

Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st person singular: παραδίδω (I hand over)

• 2nd person singular: παραδίδεις (You hand over)

• 3rd person singular: παραδίδει (He/She/It hands over)

Aspect: The verb indicates an imperfective aspect in the present tense, suggesting ongoing action, while the aorist tense typically conveys a completed action of handing over.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various Greek lexicons, παραδίδωμι is analyzed for its multifaceted meanings and implications in both the New Testament and classical contexts. BDAG emphasizes its use in the context of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, highlighting the seriousness of handing over someone to danger. Thayer’s provides insight into its legal and social applications, noting that it often implies a transfer of authority or responsibility. LSJ highlights its classical usage in terms of transactions and agreements, focusing on the aspects of trust and obligation. Vine’s connects the term to themes of commitment and betrayal in Christian teachings, while Strong’s reiterates its importance in depictions of the transfer of control or power. LEH and Moulton and Milligan discuss its broader implications in ancient texts, illustrating the dynamics of giving and receiving in various relationships.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 4:12: “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.” (παραδίδωμι)

Matthew 26:15: “And said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” (παραδίδωμι)

John 19:11: “Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.’” (παραδίδωμι)

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παραδίδωμι appears in contexts that emphasize the act of handing over or transferring authority.

Plato, Republic: “The just man does not hand over (παραδίδωμι) his own to the unjust, even when under duress.”

Aristotle, Politics: “In matters of governance, the citizens must not surrender (παραδίδωμι) their rights to a tyrant.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates was cautious not to hand over (παραδίδωμι) his students to misguided teachers.”

In the Septuagint, the term carries similar implications of transfer and delivery.

Septuagint Example 1: Genesis 37:27: “Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’ And his brothers listened to him.” (παραδίδωμι)

Septuagint Example 2: Exodus 21:29: “If the ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be liable.” (παραδίδωμι)

Septuagint Example 3: Deuteronomy 23:17: “None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute.” (παραδίδωμι)

Noteworthy Summary

The verb παραδίδωμι is significant in both biblical and classical contexts for its emphasis on the act of handing over or delivering. Its multifaceted meanings illustrate the importance of trust and authority in relationships, highlighting both positive and negative implications.

Did You Know?

The term παραδίδωμι not only signifies physical transfer but also has profound theological implications, particularly regarding the betrayal of Jesus.

In the New Testament, παραδίδωμι is closely associated with themes of authority, control, and responsibility, often in the context of divine providence.

Understanding παραδίδωμι can provide insight into the dynamics of relationships in ancient cultures, particularly in terms of loyalty and betrayal.

Strong’s G3860: παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi) means “to hand over” or “to deliver,” emphasizing themes of transfer and authority, particularly relevant in biblical narratives of betrayal and divine mission.

Part of Speech: Verb

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, handing over, authority, betrayal