Brief Overview of παραλύω (Strong’s G3886: paraluō)

This Greek verb means “to loosen from the side” or “to weaken,” and in medical contexts refers to paralysis or the process of becoming paralyzed. In the New Testament, it appears 5 times, primarily in contexts of healing miracles.

U – Unveiling the Word

παραλύω combines παρά (beside) with λύω (to loosen), creating a term that literally means “to loosen from beside” or “to disable.” In medical contexts, it describes the loosening or weakening of muscles leading to paralysis. Its theological significance lies in healing narratives where Jesus demonstrates authority over physical disability. Today, it remains relevant in medical terminology and discussions of divine healing.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραλύω, paraluō, /par-al-OO-oh/
• Etymology: From παρά (para, “beside”) + λύω (luō, “to loosen”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

D – Defining Meanings

Primary meaning: To relax, loosen, or disable

Secondary meaning: To become paralyzed or suffer paralysis

Extended meaning: To weaken or render powerless

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκλύω (ekluō): Means “to loose completely” or “to faint”
• καταλύω (kataluō): Means “to dissolve” or “destroy”
• ἀπολύω (apoluō): Means “to release” or “set free”

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παραλύω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:

• Present active: παραλύω (I paralyze)
• Perfect passive: παραλέλυμαι (I have been paralyzed)
• Aorist passive: παρελύθην (I was paralyzed)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its medical usage in ancient literature. Thayer’s notes its development from physical loosening to medical paralysis. LSJ cites extensive medical literature. Vine’s connects it to divine healing narratives. Moulton and Milligan document its technical medical usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: Luke 5:18

“And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed [παραλελυμένον], and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραλύω represents a precise medical term describing the process of paralysis, while also carrying spiritual significance in healing narratives demonstrating divine power over physical disability.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term is the root of modern medical words like “paralysis” and “paralytic”
2. Ancient medical texts used it specifically for nerve-related paralysis
3. It appears in all three synoptic gospels’ healing accounts

Strong’s G3886: παραλύω – A verb meaning to loosen beside or disable, specifically referring to paralysis in medical contexts. Used in NT healing narratives to demonstrate divine power over physical disability. Technical medical term adopted to describe conditions Jesus healed.

Part of Speech: Verb

Tags: #MedicalTerm #Healing #MiracleNarratives #GospelVocabulary #DisabilityLanguage #DivinePower #AncientMedicine #NeurologicalTerm

Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​