G3876:

Brief Overview of παρακοή (Strong’s G3876: parakōē)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek term παρακοή (parakōē) translates to “disobedience” or “failure to listen,” capturing the essence of neglecting or ignoring a call or command. This term is significant within biblical contexts, particularly in its appearance in Romans 5:19, where it highlights the theme of sin and its consequences. The root of παρακοή comes from the verb ἀκοή (akōē), meaning “to hear,” combined with the prefix παρά (para), which can denote “beside” or “against.” This formation suggests a deviation from proper listening or heeding, emphasizing the spiritual implications of ignoring divine commands or teachings. In both religious and classical literature, παρακοή underscores the consequences of disobedience and the importance of attentiveness to moral and ethical teachings.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παρακοή, transliterated as parakōē, pronounced [pah-rah-KOH-ay].

Etymology: The word is formed from the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “against,” and the root ἀκοή (akōē), meaning “hearing” or “listening.” This etymology emphasizes a sense of being beside or apart from proper hearing.

Part of Speech: Noun. παρακοή is a feminine noun in Greek, indicating a specific concept related to hearing and listening.

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

Defining Meanings

Disobedience: The primary meaning of παρακοή refers to the act of disobeying or not following instructions or commands, especially in a spiritual or moral context.

Failure to Listen: A secondary meaning highlights the failure to listen or heed advice, guidance, or warnings, suggesting a disregard for important teachings.

Neglect: Additionally, it can denote a sense of neglect, particularly in failing to engage with or respond to a call or invitation.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀκοή (akōē) [ah-KOH-ay]: This word translates to “hearing” or “auditory perception.” While παρακοή emphasizes disobedience and failure to listen, ἀκοή focuses on the act of hearing itself, without the negative connotations.

παρακούω (parakouō) [pah-rah-KOO-oh]: This verb means “to hear beside” or “to overhear,” often implying a casual or inattentive hearing. It can suggest a form of listening that does not fully engage with the content, similar to the idea of disobedience in παρακοή.

ἀμελέω (ameleō) [ah-meh-LEH-oh]: This term means “to neglect” or “to be careless.” While it shares thematic elements with παρακοή, it does not specifically relate to the act of hearing or disobeying.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παρακοή is in the nominative case, singular number, and feminine gender.

Declension: It follows the first declension pattern typical for feminine nouns in Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παρακοή has been analyzed in various Greek lexicons, each offering unique perspectives on its usage and implications. BDAG emphasizes the moral dimensions of disobedience connected with the concept of sin. Thayer’s lexicon discusses its implications within the context of spiritual hearing and the consequences of neglecting God’s word. LSJ connects the term to broader philosophical discussions about the nature of obedience and attentiveness in human behavior. Vine’s elaborates on its theological importance, particularly in the context of Paul’s letters, where the themes of sin and grace are prevalent. Strong’s reiterates the practical implications of παρακοή in the lives of believers. LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide further contextual insights, focusing on its application in both the New Testament and classical literature.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Romans 5:19: “For as by one man’s disobedience (παρακοή) many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

2. Hebrews 2:2: “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience (παρακοή) received a just recompense of reward.”

3. 1 Peter 2:8: “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient (παρακοή): whereunto also they were appointed.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παρακοή is often associated with themes of obedience and listening.

Plato, Republic: “The philosopher must lead the citizens away from παρακοή and towards knowledge and virtue.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “To act justly requires attentiveness, for παρακοή leads to moral failure.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “The wise man teaches his students to avoid παρακοή, for ignorance of the good leads to error.”

In the Septuagint, similar themes of listening and obedience are present:

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 1:24: “Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but you have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof (παρακοή).”

Septuagint Example 2: Isaiah 30:9: “For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits (παρακοή).”

Septuagint Example 3: Jeremiah 7:24: “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward (παρακοή).”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παρακοή encapsulates the themes of disobedience and failure to heed instruction, particularly in a spiritual context. Its usage in the New Testament emphasizes the moral and ethical dimensions of listening and obedience to God’s commands. Understanding this term deepens one’s comprehension of the dynamics of sin and grace as presented in Pauline theology.

Did You Know?

The concept of παρακοή highlights the significance of attentive listening in spiritual growth, emphasizing that neglecting divine teachings can lead to dire consequences.

In ancient Greek philosophy, the emphasis on listening and obedience was crucial for moral development, illustrating how παρακοή was viewed not just as an action but as a failure to engage with virtue.

In biblical contexts, παρακοή serves as a reminder of the human tendency to stray from divine instruction, underscoring the need for vigilance in one’s spiritual journey.

Strong’s G3876: παρακοή (parakōē) means “disobedience” or “failure to listen,” reflecting its role in understanding sin and moral responsibility in biblical narratives.

Part of Speech: Noun

Tags: Greek, New Testament, theology, disobedience, listening, moral teaching, language studies.