G3861:

Brief Overview of παράδοξος (Strong’s G3861: paradóxos)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek adjective παράδοξος (paradóxos) means “strange,” “unusual,” or “extraordinary.” It is often used to describe situations or concepts that defy conventional expectations or norms. In Luke 5:26, it is utilized to characterize the amazement of the people witnessing Jesus’ miraculous healing of the paralytic, emphasizing how extraordinary His actions were. The term is derived from the prefix παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “beyond,” and δόξα (dóxa), which means “glory” or “opinion.” Together, they convey a sense of being beyond normal expectations or understandings, thus capturing the essence of what is perceived as remarkable or astonishing.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παράδοξος (paradóxos) [pah-RAH-dohx-ohs]

Etymology: The word is a compound of παρά (pará), suggesting something beyond or beside the norm, and δόξα (dóxa), which translates to “opinion” or “glory.” This combination indicates that something is perceived as remarkable, often contrary to common beliefs.

Part of Speech: Adjective. παράδοξος is used to modify nouns and can appear in various grammatical forms, adapting to gender, number, and case in agreement with the nouns it describes.

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

Defining Meanings

Strange: The primary meaning of παράδοξος refers to something that is strange or unexpected, often causing surprise or curiosity.

Extraordinary: It can also denote actions, events, or concepts that are extraordinary or remarkable, drawing attention due to their deviation from the norm.

Unusual: The term implies an element of the unusual or atypical, suggesting that what is being described is not commonly encountered or accepted.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀλλότριος (allótrios) [ah-LOH-tree-ohs]: This word means “strange” or “foreign,” but it is more focused on being alien or not belonging rather than the sense of extraordinary that παράδοξος conveys.

ξένος (xénos) [KSEH-nos]: Meaning “foreigner” or “stranger,” this term emphasizes an aspect of unfamiliarity, differing from παράδοξος, which highlights the remarkable quality of the situation or object.

σπάνιος (spánios) [SPAH-nee-ohs]: This adjective means “rare” or “scarce,” indicating something that is not commonly found. While it shares the connotation of being unusual, it does not capture the same sense of extraordinary wonder as παράδοξος.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Adjectives:

Case, Number, Gender: παράδοξος is a masculine, feminine, and neuter adjective. In the nominative singular, it can appear as παράδοξος (masculine), παράδοξος (feminine), or παράδοξον (neuter); in the genitive singular, it is παράδοξου; in the accusative singular, it is παράδοξον.

Declension: As a third-declension adjective, παράδοξος follows the standard patterns for Greek adjectives, allowing it to adapt in case, number, and gender based on the nouns it modifies.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παράδοξος has been analyzed across various Greek lexicons, emphasizing its significance in both the New Testament and classical literature. BDAG highlights its use to describe extraordinary events that provoke wonder or astonishment, especially in the context of Jesus’ miracles. Thayer’s provides insight into how the term conveys surprise and strangeness, particularly when discussing divine actions or revelations. LSJ notes its use in philosophical contexts, where it might describe ideas that challenge conventional wisdom. Vine’s connects it to the concept of faith, illustrating how the remarkable nature of Christ’s teachings and actions often transcended human understanding. Strong’s reiterates its role in characterizing the unusual, especially in relation to divine phenomena. LEH and Moulton and Milligan further explore its usage, illustrating its application in various historical and cultural contexts.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 5:26: “And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things (παράδοξος) today.’”

Matthew 21:15: “But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things (παράδοξος) that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant.”

1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (παράδοξος)

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παράδοξος is often employed to signify remarkable ideas or events that provoke thought.

Herodotus, Histories: “He described the customs of the Egyptians as strange (παράδοξος) to the Greeks, revealing the diversity of human practices.”

Plato, Timaeus: “The philosopher spoke of the universe’s creation in terms that might appear extraordinary (παράδοξος) to those who had not contemplated such matters deeply.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “The virtues are often seen as paradoxical (παράδοξος), counter to common understanding, yet essential for true happiness.”

In the Septuagint, similar themes can be observed.

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 29:14: “Therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful (παράδοξος) things with this people, with wonder upon wonder.”

Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 32:20: “You have shown signs and wonders (παράδοξος) in the land of Egypt, and to this day.”

Septuagint Example 3: Daniel 4:2: “I thought it good to show the signs and wonders (παράδοξος) that the high God has wrought toward me.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word παράδοξος serves as a significant term in both biblical and classical literature, encapsulating the essence of the strange and extraordinary. Its use in scripture emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of divine actions, illustrating how such events challenge human understanding.

Did You Know?

The term παράδοξος not only refers to the extraordinary but also serves as a reminder of the unexpected nature of God’s work in the world.

In the New Testament, the use of παράδοξος often accompanies miracles, emphasizing how Jesus’ actions frequently astonished those who witnessed them.

Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle used the term to describe ideas that defied conventional wisdom, showcasing its broad application in discussions of knowledge and ethics.

Strong’s G3861: παράδοξος (paradóxos) means “strange” or “extraordinary,” highlighting remarkable events and divine actions, particularly significant in the context of biblical miracles and teachings.

Part of Speech: Adjective

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, extraordinary, strange, wonder