Brief Overview of παραπλησίως (Strong’s G3898: paraplēsiōs)

Strong’s G3898: An adverb meaning “similarly” or “likewise,” derived from παραπλήσιος (paraplēsios). Used in contexts emphasizing close similarity or comparison, particularly in Hebrews 2:14 regarding Christ’s participation in human nature. The word emphasizes the completeness and authenticity of Christ’s incarnation.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραπλησίως carries profound theological significance in its singular New Testament usage. The word emphasizes the completeness with which Christ shared in human nature, underlining the doctrine of the incarnation. Its placement in Hebrews 2:14 serves to affirm that Jesus fully participated in human flesh and blood, not partially or apparently, but genuinely and completely. Early church fathers frequently referenced this term when defending against docetic heresies that denied Christ’s full humanity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραπλησίως, paraplēsiōs, /par-ap-lay-SEE-oce/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par-for-the-course’) + ap (as in ‘apt’) + lay + SEE + oce (as in ‘close’)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): alongside, beside
• πλησίος (plēsios): near, close
• -ως (-ōs): adverbial suffix indicating manner

D – Defining Meanings

• Very nearly, in a closely resembling manner
• Similarly, likewise
• In the same way

For compound words:
The prefix παρα- suggests proximity or closeness, πλησίος conveys the concept of nearness, and the suffix -ως transforms the construction into an adverb describing manner.

Translation Options:

• “In like manner” – emphasizing the comparative aspect
• “Similarly” – capturing the basic meaning while maintaining readability
• “In the same way” – emphasizing the completeness of the comparison

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμοίως (homoiōs) /hom-OY-oce/ – similarly, but emphasizing sameness rather than close proximity
• ὡσαύτως (hōsautōs) /ho-SOW-toce/ – likewise, but with more emphasis on exact correspondence
• καθώς (kathōs) /kath-OSSE/ – just as, but more focused on manner or degree

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, παραπλησίως is indeclinable, meaning it maintains the same form regardless of its position in the sentence.

• Related forms:
• παραπλήσιος (adjective)
• παραπλησιότης (noun)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its meaning of “similarly” or “likewise,” while Thayer’s highlights its connection to physical proximity. LSJ notes its classical usage in comparative contexts. Vine’s emphasizes its significance in Hebrews 2:14 regarding Christ’s incarnation. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its use in legal documents for expressing close comparisons.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself [παραπλησίως] likewise partook of the same things” (Hebrews 2:14)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραπλησίως emphasizes complete similarity or likeness, particularly significant in its New Testament usage regarding Christ’s full participation in human nature. Its compound structure reinforces the concept of close proximity and similarity in manner.

D – Did You Know?

• παραπλησίως appears only once in the New Testament but plays a crucial role in articulating the doctrine of Christ’s incarnation
• The word’s structure mirrors the theological concept it conveys: being alongside (παρα-) and near (πλησίος)
• Its usage in Hebrews 2:14 was frequently cited in early church debates about Christ’s nature

[Lexicon Summary]
An adverb meaning “similarly” or “likewise,” derived from παραπλήσιος (paraplēsios). Used in contexts emphasizing close similarity or comparison, particularly in Hebrews 2:14 regarding Christ’s participation in human nature. The word emphasizes the completeness and authenticity of Christ’s incarnation.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #adverb #hebrews #incarnation #similarity #comparison #christology #biblical_greek #new_testament #compound_word​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​