Brief Overview of παράσημος (Strong’s G3902: parasēmos)

Strong’s G3902: A compound adjective combining παρα (beside) with σῆμα (sign/mark), meaning “marked” or “distinguished by a sign.” Used in Acts 28:11 to describe a ship marked with the figurehead of the Dioscuri. Reflects ancient Mediterranean maritime practices of marking vessels with identifying signs.

U- Unveiling the Word

παράσημος carries the specific meaning of being marked with a distinguishing sign or emblem. In its sole New Testament usage, it describes the Alexandrian ship that carried Paul with the figurehead of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux). This detail provides historical authenticity to Luke’s account and offers insight into ancient Mediterranean shipping practices. Early Christian writers often used this term metaphorically to discuss how believers should be “marked” or distinguished by Christ’s character, transforming a nautical term into a spiritual metaphor for Christian identity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παράσημος, parasēmos, /par-AS-ay-mos/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + AS (stressed) + ay (as in ‘say’) + mos (as in ‘moss’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• σῆμα (sēma): sign, mark
• -ος (-os): adjectival suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Marked with a sign
• Distinguished by an emblem
• Having a distinctive mark or symbol

For compound words:
παρα- indicates position or relationship, while σῆμα refers to the mark or sign itself, creating the concept of being “marked alongside” or “bearing a distinctive mark”

Translation Options:

• “Marked with” – emphasizes the presence of an identifying feature
• “Distinguished by” – highlights the mark’s function
• “Bearing the sign of” – captures both the physical and symbolic aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐπίσημος (episēmos) /ep-IS-ay-mos/ – notable or distinguished, but emphasizing prominence
• σημεῖον (sēmeion) /say-MAY-on/ – a sign or token, the noun form
• ἄσημος (asēmos) /AS-ay-mos/ – unmarked or undistinguished, the opposite meaning

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, παράσημος exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Masculine: παράσημος (nom.), παρασήμου (gen.)
Feminine: παράσημος (nom.), παρασήμου (gen.)
Neuter: παράσημον (nom.), παρασήμου (gen.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its maritime usage for ships with distinctive markings. Thayer’s notes its broader application to anything marked for identification. LSJ documents extensive classical usage for marked coins, ships, and official documents. Vine’s highlights its technical nature in ancient shipping. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in commercial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the [παράσημος] figurehead of the Twin Brothers” (Acts 28:11)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παράσημος precisely describes objects marked with distinguishing signs or emblems, particularly in maritime contexts. Its single New Testament usage provides historical authenticity to Luke’s account while offering insight into ancient Mediterranean shipping practices.

D – Did You Know?

• The Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) were considered protectors of sailors in ancient times
• Ship markings (παράσημος) often had religious significance in ancient Mediterranean culture
• The term was also commonly used for marked coins and official documents in ancient commerce

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound adjective combining παρα (beside) with σῆμα (sign/mark), meaning “marked” or “distinguished by a sign.” Used in Acts 28:11 to describe a ship marked with the figurehead of the Dioscuri. Reflects ancient Mediterranean maritime practices of marking vessels with identifying signs.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #adjective #acts #maritime #ships #dioscuri #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #luke #ancient_navigation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​