Brief Overview of παράπτωμα (Strong’s G3900: paraptōma)

Strong’s G3900: A compound noun derived from παρά (beside) and πίπτω (to fall), meaning “a false step, trespass, or transgression.” Used in the New Testament to describe moral failures and sins, particularly emphasizing the idea of falling away from truth or rectitude. Essential in understanding Christian doctrine of sin and forgiveness.

U- Unveiling the Word

παράπτωμα carries the vivid imagery of stepping aside or falling away from the correct path. In New Testament usage, it specifically denotes sins or transgressions that occur through failing to adhere to God’s standards. The word appears prominently in contexts of forgiveness and grace, particularly in the Lord’s Prayer and Paul’s letters. Early church fathers used this term to emphasize the restorative nature of God’s forgiveness, distinguishing between willful rebellion and stumbling in faith. Today, it helps believers understand sin as deviation from God’s path while emphasizing the possibility of restoration.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παράπτωμα, paraptōma, /par-AP-toe-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘parking’) + AP (stressed) + toe + mah (as in ‘mama’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, away from
• πίπτω (piptō): to fall
• -μα (-ma): result suffix forming a noun

D – Defining Meanings

• A false step, transgression
• A trespass or sin
• A moral failure or lapse

For compound words:
παρα- indicates deviation or movement away, πίπτω conveys falling, and -μα indicates the result of the action, creating the concept of “the result of falling aside”

Translation Options:

• “Trespass” – emphasizes the crossing of boundaries
• “False step” – captures the literal meaning of stepping aside
• “Transgression” – conveys moral/ethical violation while maintaining the movement metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἁμαρτία (hamartia) /ham-ar-TEE-ah/ – more general term for sin, meaning “missing the mark”
• παράβασις (parabasis) /par-AB-as-is/ – transgression with emphasis on violation of law
• ἀνομία (anomia) /an-om-EE-ah/ – lawlessness, focusing on rejection of authority

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παράπτωμα exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:
Singular: παράπτωμα (nom.), παραπτώματος (gen.)
Plural: παραπτώματα (nom.), παραπτωμάτων (gen.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to moral failure, while Thayer’s highlights the element of transgression against known truth. LSJ notes its classical usage for political and moral failures. Vine’s emphasizes the distinction between this word and other terms for sin. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts for violations of agreements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For if you forgive others their [παραπτώματα] trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14)

Additional References:
Matthew 6:15, Mark 11:25, Romans 4:25, Romans 5:15-20, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παράπτωμα represents sin as a deviation from the right path, emphasizing both the act of falling away and its results. Its usage in the New Testament particularly highlights God’s willingness to forgive such transgressions and restore the fallen.

D – Did You Know?

• παράπτωμα appears prominently in Paul’s contrast between Adam’s transgression and Christ’s gift of grace
• The word’s imagery influenced early Christian art depicting sin as a person stumbling from a path
• Its usage in the Lord’s Prayer connects personal forgiveness with divine forgiveness

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun derived from παρά (beside) and πίπτω (to fall), meaning “a false step, trespass, or transgression.” Used in the New Testament to describe moral failures and sins, particularly emphasizing the idea of falling away from truth or rectitude. Essential in understanding Christian doctrine of sin and forgiveness.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #sin #transgression #forgiveness #lords_prayer #pauline_epistles #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #soteriology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​