G3868:

Brief Overview of παραιτέομαι (Strong’s G3868: paraiteomai)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai) translates to “to excuse oneself,” “to refuse,” or “to reject.” It carries the nuance of making a polite refusal or a formal withdrawal from a request or obligation. In Luke 14:18, the term is used in the context of people making excuses to avoid attending a banquet, illustrating a broader theme of the reluctance to engage with God’s invitation. The significance of this term extends beyond mere refusal; it often reflects a deeper unwillingness to embrace what is offered, whether it be a physical invitation or a spiritual calling. The word is derived from the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” combined with the verb αἰτέω (aitéō), which means “to ask” or “to request.” This combination suggests a sense of distancing oneself from the request or invitation being extended.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai) [pah-rah-ee-TEH-oh-my]

Etymology: The term is composed of παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and αἰτέω (aitéō), which means “to ask” or “to request.” This etymology implies a refusal or withdrawal from a request that is made to someone.

Part of Speech: Verb. παραιτέομαι is a deponent verb, meaning it has a middle voice form but has an active meaning in the context.

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

Defining Meanings

To excuse oneself: The primary meaning of παραιτέομαι refers to the act of politely refusing an invitation or request, often providing a justification for the refusal.

To reject: It can also signify the act of rejecting an offer or invitation outright, without necessarily providing an excuse.

To withdraw: Additionally, the term implies a distancing or withdrawal from a situation, indicating an unwillingness to participate.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀπορρίπτω (aporriptō) [ah-poh-RIP-toh]: This verb means “to reject” or “to throw away.” While similar in that it involves refusal, it does not carry the connotation of politeness or the provision of excuses as does παραιτέομαι.

αἰτέω (aitéō) [ah-ee-TEH-oh]: This verb means “to ask” or “to request.” It serves as the root for παραιτέομαι, focusing on the act of making a request rather than the act of refusing it.

παρακαλέω (parakaleō) [pah-rah-kah-LEH-oh]: Meaning “to call alongside” or “to comfort,” this term is more about encouraging participation or engagement rather than making a refusal.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

Tense, Voice, Mood: παραιτέομαι appears primarily in the present tense, indicative mood, and middle voice.

Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st person singular: παραιτῶμαι (I excuse myself)

• 2nd person singular: παραιτεῖ (You excuse yourself)

• 3rd person singular: παραιτεῖται (He/She/It excuses themselves)

Aspect: The verb reflects an imperfective aspect, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the refusal rather than a single, completed action.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Various Greek lexicons provide insight into παραιτέομαι, emphasizing its contextual significance. BDAG highlights the use of the term in the context of social obligations, particularly in how people navigate invitations and requests. Thayer’s elaborates on the cultural implications of refusing invitations in ancient society, noting that such refusals could have significant social ramifications. LSJ discusses its usage in classical texts, where the act of making excuses was a common theme in discussions of social etiquette. Vine’s connects the term to the broader narrative of God’s invitation to humanity, illustrating how refusal can represent a deeper rejection of divine grace. Strong’s reinforces its significance in understanding interpersonal dynamics and the consequences of refusal. LEH and Moulton and Milligan further illuminate its usage in literature, showing how the act of making excuses played a role in personal and community relationships.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 14:18: “But they all alike began to make excuses (παραιτέομαι). The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’”

Matthew 22:5: “But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, making excuses (παραιτέομαι).”

1 Timothy 4:7: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.” (παραιτέομαι)

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παραιτέομαι often reflects the social dynamics of refusing requests or invitations.

Plato, Apology: “When Socrates was asked to take part in the deliberations, he did not hesitate to refuse (παραιτέομαι), stating his commitment to truth above all.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “The wise man does not shy away from engaging in difficult discussions; to refuse (παραιτέομαι) them is to miss opportunities for growth.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “In advising his students, Socrates would occasionally refuse (παραιτέομαι) to answer directly, pushing them to think critically.”

In the Septuagint, similar themes can be observed.

Septuagint Example 1: Exodus 3:11: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ (παραιτέομαι)”

Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 1:6: “Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ (παραιτέομαι)”

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 20:3: “And the Lord said, ‘As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years, as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush.’ (παραιτέομαι)”

Noteworthy Summary

The verb παραιτέομαι is significant in understanding the dynamics of refusal and the social implications of making excuses in both biblical and classical contexts. It highlights the intricate interplay of obligation, social etiquette, and personal choice. This term enriches the discussions surrounding human interaction, especially regarding responses to invitations and requests.

Did You Know?

In ancient cultures, making excuses (παραιτέομαι) was often more than a simple refusal; it could reflect deeper social and moral considerations.

The use of this term in biblical texts underscores the tension between divine invitation and human reluctance to respond.

Understanding παραιτέομαι enhances our comprehension of the relational dynamics present in biblical narratives, particularly in discussions of faith and commitment.

Strong’s G3868: παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai) means “to excuse oneself” or “to refuse,” reflecting the complexity of social obligations and personal decisions in both spiritual and secular contexts.

Part of Speech: Verb

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, refusal, excuses, social dynamics