G3872:

Brief Overview of παρακαταθήκη (Strong’s G3872: parakatathēkē)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek term παρακαταθήκη (parakatathēkē) translates to “deposit” or “entrustment,” and it embodies the act of placing something valuable into safekeeping. This word emphasizes trust and the safeguarding of important items, whether they be tangible or intangible, such as teachings or beliefs. In 1 Timothy 6:20, it is used in the context of guarding the “deposit” of faith and sound teaching, highlighting its theological significance. The word is derived from the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and the root καταθήκη (katathēkē), which means “a placing down” or “a deposit.” This combination suggests not only the act of placing something alongside but also the relational aspect of trust inherent in that action.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παρακαταθήκη (parakatathēkē), pronounced [pah-rah-kah-tah-THEE-kay]

Etymology: The word combines παρά (para), indicating proximity, and καταθήκη (katathēkē), which means “a deposit” or “a placing down.” Together, they emphasize the action of placing something valuable in a safe or trusted manner.

Part of Speech: Noun. παρακαταθήκη is a feminine noun in Greek and follows the patterns of third declension.

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

Defining Meanings

Deposit: The primary meaning of παρακαταθήκη refers to a physical deposit, such as money or valuables placed in safekeeping.

Entrustment: It also implies a sense of entrustment, where someone places their confidence in another to safeguard something of value.

Doctrine or Faith: In a theological context, it signifies the safeguarding of doctrine, teachings, or faith, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to preserve the integrity of their beliefs.

Exploring Similar Words

καταθήκη (katathēkē) [kah-tah-THEE-kay]: This term means “deposit” or “placing down,” but without the relational nuance of trust that παρακαταθήκη carries.

ἀποθήκη (apothēkē) [ah-poh-THEE-kay]: Meaning “storehouse” or “repository,” this word refers more to a physical place of storage rather than the act of entrusting or safeguarding.

προστασία (prostasía) [pro-stah-SEE-ah]: This word means “protection” or “guardianship,” which, while related, focuses more on the aspect of safeguarding rather than the act of depositing.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παρακαταθήκη is a feminine noun in the singular form, typically used in the nominative and accusative cases.

Declension: It follows the third declension class in Greek, which includes a variety of endings depending on the case.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Various Greek lexicons provide insights into παρακαταθήκη and its usage. BDAG emphasizes its importance in discussing the preservation of teachings and doctrines, particularly in the context of Christian faith. Thayer’s elaborates on its implications of trust and safeguarding in both secular and sacred contexts. LSJ notes its presence in classical literature, highlighting how it was used to refer to both physical and abstract deposits. Vine’s connects it to the broader themes of stewardship and guardianship, illustrating how the term emphasizes the believer’s responsibility to protect and maintain their faith. Strong’s highlights its theological significance, particularly in the context of apostolic teachings. LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide additional insights into its usage in both religious and philosophical contexts.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

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

2 Timothy 1:14: “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit (παρακαταθήκη) entrusted to you.”

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.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παρακαταθήκη often reflects themes of trust and safeguarding important items or knowledge.

Plato, The Republic: “The guardians of the city must ensure that the treasures of wisdom are kept in safe deposit (παρακαταθήκη) for future generations.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “Virtue, once acquired, becomes a deposit (παρακαταθήκη) that one must carefully maintain and not lose.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates emphasized the importance of preserving the teachings of the wise as a sacred deposit (παρακαταθήκη) entrusted to his followers.”

In the Septuagint, similar themes of safeguarding and preservation can be found.

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

Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 31:31: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant (παρακαταθήκη) with the house of Israel.”

Septuagint Example 3: Ezekiel 36:26: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Noteworthy Summary

The noun παρακαταθήκη plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of trust, safeguarding, and responsibility within both secular and religious contexts. It emphasizes the importance of preserving valuable teachings and doctrines, illustrating the relational aspect of the act of entrusting. This term enriches discussions surrounding stewardship and the safeguarding of faith within the early Christian community.

Did You Know?

In the context of Christian theology, παρακαταθήκη emphasizes the believer’s responsibility to guard and maintain the integrity of their faith and teachings.

This word highlights the ongoing relationship between believers and the teachings they hold dear, signifying trust and responsibility.

Understanding παρακαταθήκη allows for a deeper comprehension of the importance of doctrinal preservation in the New Testament context.

Strong’s G3872: παρακαταθήκη (parakatathēkē) means “deposit” or “entrustment,” emphasizing the importance of safeguarding teachings and maintaining the integrity of one’s faith.

Part of Speech: Noun

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