G3864:

Brief Overview of παραθαλάσσιος (Strong’s G3864: parathalássios)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek adjective παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios) translates to “by the sea” or “near the sea.” This term specifically describes locations that are situated close to the sea or coastal areas. It highlights the geographical significance of proximity to the sea, which was vital for trade, travel, and sustenance in ancient times. In Matthew 4:13, the use of this term refers to Jesus moving to live in Capernaum, a city located by the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing the importance of this setting for His ministry. The word is composed of the prefix παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and θάλασσα (thalássa), which means “sea.” Together, they capture the essence of coastal living and its impact on the people and events in the biblical narrative.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios) [pah-rah-thah-LAHS-ee-os]

Etymology: The word is formed from the prefix παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “next to,” and θάλασσα (thalássa), meaning “sea.” This etymological composition conveys a clear indication of geographical positioning relative to the sea.

Part of Speech: Adjective. παραθαλάσσιος is a masculine adjective that can modify nouns to indicate their proximity to the sea.

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

Defining Meanings

By the sea: The primary meaning refers to locations that are directly adjacent to or near the sea, highlighting geographical importance.

Coastal: It implies a coastal nature, often associated with the activities and lifestyles that revolve around maritime environments, such as fishing and trade.

Seaside community: This term can also reflect the cultural and social aspects of communities that thrive in coastal areas, including their customs, economies, and interactions with the sea.

Exploring Similar Words

θαλάσσιος (thalássios) [thah-LAHS-ee-os]: This adjective also means “of the sea” or “marine.” While similar to παραθαλάσσιος, it does not emphasize the proximity to the sea as strongly as the former.

παράκτιος (paráktios) [pah-RAHK-tee-ohs]: This word means “coastal” or “along the shore.” It denotes areas directly bordering the coast but may not carry the same emphasis on being “by” the sea as παραθαλάσσιος.

νησιώτης (nisiōtēs) [nee-see-OH-tees]: Meaning “islander,” this term refers to inhabitants of islands. While related to coastal themes, it highlights a specific community living on islands rather than near the sea.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Adjectives:

Case, Number, Gender: παραθαλάσσιος is a masculine adjective. In the nominative singular, it appears as παραθαλάσσιος; in the genitive singular, it is παραθαλάσσιου; and in the accusative singular, it is παραθαλάσσιον. In the plural, the nominative becomes παραθαλάσσιοι.

Declension: As a masculine adjective, παραθαλάσσιος follows the typical patterns for Greek adjectives and can adapt its form to match the nouns it modifies in case, number, and gender.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Various Greek lexicons offer insights into the term παραθαλάσσιος and its implications in both biblical and classical contexts. BDAG highlights its geographic significance in describing locations vital for trade and ministry, particularly during the time of Jesus. Thayer’s discusses the cultural and economic aspects of coastal communities in biblical times, noting their dependence on the sea for sustenance and livelihood. LSJ emphasizes the term’s use in literature to describe settings that enhance narrative contexts. Vine’s connects it to the ministry of Jesus in Capernaum, illustrating how the coastal setting influenced His interactions with people. Strong’s reiterates its importance in understanding the geographical framework of New Testament narratives. LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide additional insights into its usage in classical literature, emphasizing the historical significance of coastal regions.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 4:13: “And leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea (παραθαλάσσιος), in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.”

Matthew 15:29: “Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee (παραθαλάσσιος), and he went up on the mountain and sat down there.”

Mark 1:16: “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee (παραθαλάσσιος), he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παραθαλάσσιος is often associated with settings near the sea, emphasizing their cultural and economic roles.

Homer, Iliad: “The ships lined the παραθαλάσσιος shores, waiting for the call to battle, highlighting the strategic importance of coastal locations.”

Herodotus, Histories: “Coastal cities were bustling with trade, their παραθαλάσσιος markets alive with the sounds of merchants and sailors.”

Xenophon, Anabasis: “The army camped by the παραθαλάσσιος waters, relying on the sea for sustenance and transport as they moved inland.”

In the Septuagint, the concept appears similarly.

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 33:21: “But there the glorious Lord will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars will sail, nor majestic ship pass by.” (παραθαλάσσιος)

Septuagint Example 2: Ezekiel 47:8: “Then he said to me, ‘This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.’” (παραθαλάσσιος)

Septuagint Example 3: Psalms 107:23: “Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters.” (παραθαλάσσιος)

Noteworthy Summary

The adjective παραθαλάσσιος captures the significance of geographical proximity to the sea, especially in biblical narratives. Its usage emphasizes the cultural, economic, and social aspects of coastal living, reflecting the importance of the sea in the life and ministry of Jesus and His followers.

Did You Know?

The sea was essential for trade and travel in ancient times, making coastal cities vibrant centers of culture and commerce.

In biblical narratives, settings by the sea often serve as backdrops for significant teachings and miracles, highlighting their spiritual importance.

The term παραθαλάσσιος illustrates how geography can shape religious experiences and community dynamics in the New Testament.

Strong’s G3864: παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios) means “by the sea” or “near the sea,” emphasizing the geographical and cultural significance of coastal areas in biblical narratives.

Part of Speech: Adjective

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, coastal, geography, sea