G3866:

Brief Overview of παραθήκη (Strong’s G3866: parathēkē)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek noun παραθήκη (parathēkē) translates to “deposit,” “storage,” or “safeguarding.” It signifies the act of placing something in a safe place, often with the implication of preservation or protection. In 2 Timothy 1:12, the Apostle Paul uses this term metaphorically to refer to the Christian faith and the teachings he has entrusted to others, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the truths of the Gospel. The word’s roots lie in the verb τίθημι (títhēmi), meaning “to place” or “to put,” and the prefix παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “alongside.” This combination suggests a sense of carefully placing something for future use or reference, underscoring the responsibility associated with such a deposit.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παραθήκη (parathēkē) [pah-rah-THEE-kay]

Etymology: The term is derived from the verb τίθημι (títhēmi), which means “to place,” combined with παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “alongside.” This etymology emphasizes the act of placing something securely for preservation.

Part of Speech: Noun. παραθήκη is a feminine noun and follows standard declension patterns in Greek.

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

Defining Meanings

Deposit: The primary meaning refers to something placed for safekeeping, akin to a financial deposit or valuable items entrusted for protection.

Safeguarding: It can also signify the act of protecting or preserving valuable teachings, concepts, or traditions, particularly in a religious context.

Storehouse: Additionally, the term suggests a metaphorical storage for ideas, faith, or teachings that are meant to be preserved and referenced later.

Exploring Similar Words

καταθέσις (katathēsis) [ka-ta-THEH-sis]: This term translates to “a laying down” or “deposit,” focusing on the act of placing something down, often with a formal aspect, differing slightly from the more general preservation connotation of παραθήκη.

φυλάσσω (phylássō) [foo-LAS-so]: Meaning “to guard” or “to keep,” this verb emphasizes the action of protection rather than the act of placing something for safekeeping, highlighting a different aspect of preservation.

ἀποθήκη (apothēkē) [ah-poh-THEE-kay]: This noun means “storehouse” or “repository,” referring to a place where items are stored, but it does not carry the connotation of a personal deposit like παραθήκη does.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παραθήκη is a feminine noun. In the nominative singular, it appears as παραθήκη; in the genitive singular, it is παραθήκης; and in the accusative singular, it is παραθήκην. The plural forms include παραθήκαι in the nominative.

Declension: As a first declension noun, παραθήκη follows the standard patterns for feminine nouns in Greek, adapting its form according to the grammatical case.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Various Greek lexicons provide insights into παραθήκη and its implications in both biblical and classical contexts. BDAG emphasizes its role in the context of faith, particularly regarding the preservation of the teachings and beliefs of Christianity. Thayer’s highlights the importance of safeguarding one’s faith and the teachings handed down through generations. LSJ notes its historical usage in contexts involving financial deposits and physical storage, illustrating its broader applications in society. Vine’s connects it to the concept of stewardship in Christianity, where believers are entrusted with the truths of God. Strong’s reaffirms its significance in understanding the relational aspect of preserving one’s faith. LEH and Moulton and Milligan further elaborate on its cultural significance, showing how deposits have played a role in both personal and community dynamics.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

2 Timothy 1:12: “Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted (παραθήκη) to me.”

1 Timothy 6:20: “O Timothy, guard the deposit (παραθήκη) entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.”

Titus 1:9: “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (παραθήκη)

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παραθήκη often reflects the significance of safeguarding and storing important information or belongings.

Plato, Laws: “The guardians of the laws must ensure the preservation (παραθήκη) of the state’s values and teachings for future generations.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “A good friend is one who keeps safe the deposit (παραθήκη) of your secrets and intentions.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “It is important to place great trust in the deposit (παραθήκη) of one’s knowledge among companions.”

In the Septuagint, similar themes can be observed.

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (παραθήκη)

Septuagint Example 2: Psalms 119:11: “I have stored up (παραθήκη) your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Septuagint Example 3: Ecclesiastes 12:11: “The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings (παραθήκη) of the wise.”

Noteworthy Summary

The noun παραθήκη is essential for understanding the act of safeguarding teachings and truths within the Christian context. Its use in biblical texts emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s faith and the teachings entrusted to believers. This concept enriches the theological discussions surrounding stewardship, responsibility, and community dynamics.

Did You Know?

The act of depositing something for safekeeping has historical significance, representing trust and responsibility, which are vital in personal and community relationships.

In Christian theology, παραθήκη symbolizes the profound relationship between believers and the teachings of Christ, emphasizing the need for careful preservation and transmission.

Understanding the concept of παραθήκη allows believers to appreciate their role in safeguarding their faith and sharing it with future generations.

Strong’s G3866: παραθήκη (parathēkē) means “deposit” or “safeguarding,” emphasizing the importance of preserving teachings and truths in Christian faith.

Part of Speech: Noun

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, deposit, safeguarding, preservation