Brief Overview of παραπλήσιος (Strong’s G3897: paraplēsios)

Strong’s G3897: παραπλήσιος – A compound adjective combining παρά (beside) with πλησίος (near), meaning “near to” or “closely resembling.” Used in Philippians to describe the severity of illness, it reflects the concept of proximity to a state or condition, particularly in comparing situations or conditions.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραπλήσιος expresses the concept of nearness or close resemblance, particularly in comparing states or conditions. In its New Testament context, it appears in Philippians to describe the severity of illness, suggesting proximity to death. This usage reflects the word’s ability to convey both physical and metaphorical nearness. Early church writers employed this term to discuss similarities between situations or experiences, and today it remains relevant in theological discussions about comparative states and conditions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραπλήσιος, paraplēsios, /par-ap-lay’-see-os/
• Detailed Pronunciation: par (as in ‘par-ent’) – ap (as in ‘ap-ple’) – lay (as in ‘lay’) – see (as in ‘see’) – os (as in ‘moss’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• παρά (para): prefix meaning “beside, alongside”
• πλησίος (plēsios): root meaning “near, close”
• The combination expresses the idea of being alongside or very similar to something

D – Defining Meanings

• Near to, closely resembling, similar in nature or condition

For compound words:

• παρά adds the sense of positioning alongside
• πλησίος contributes the concept of nearness
• Together they express close proximity or similarity

Translation Options:

1. “Nearly” – emphasizes the proximity aspect
2. “Similarly” – highlights the comparative aspect
3. “Like” – captures the general sense of resemblance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὅμοιος (homoios, /hom’-oy-os/) – similar, but emphasizing likeness in nature
• παραπλησίως (paraplēsiōs, /par-ap-lay-see-oce’/) – the adverbial form meaning “similarly”
• πλησίος (plēsios, /play’-see-os/) – near, neighbor, without the comparative emphasis

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: All cases
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Forms:

• Masculine: παραπλήσιος
• Feminine: παραπλησία
• Neuter: παραπλήσιον

Related words:

• παραπλησίως (adverb) – similarly
• πλησιάζω (verb) – to come near

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes παραπλήσιος’s use in expressing close similarity or nearness. Thayer’s highlights its comparative function. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in comparing states or conditions. Vine’s notes its precise meaning in expressing degrees of similarity. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature indicating close proximity. LEH and Moulton-Milligan discuss its use in comparative descriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Indeed he was ill, and almost [παραπλήσιος] died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.” (Philippians 2:27)

Additional References:
None in New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραπλήσιος expresses close similarity or nearness, particularly in comparing states or conditions. Its single New Testament usage in Philippians demonstrates its precision in describing degrees of proximity, whether physical or metaphorical.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient medical texts to compare symptoms
2. Greek philosophers used it to describe degrees of similarity in arguments
3. The term influenced early Christian discussions about the nature of Christ

Strong’s G3897: παραπλήσιος – A compound adjective combining παρά (beside) with πλησίος (near), meaning “near to” or “closely resembling.” Used in Philippians to describe the severity of illness, it reflects the concept of proximity to a state or condition, particularly in comparing situations or conditions.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #similarity #nearness #comparison #GreekAdjectives #PhilippiansVocabulary #BiblicalLanguage #Proximity #ComparativeTerms #BiblicalGreek #StrongsG3897