Brief Overview of παρατείνω (Strong’s G3905: parateinō)

Strong’s G3905: A compound verb combining παρα (alongside/beyond) with τείνω (to stretch/extend), meaning “to stretch out, prolong, or continue.” Used in Acts 20:7 to describe Paul’s extended discourse. Reflects early Christian practice of extended teaching and fellowship gatherings.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρατείνω literally means to stretch or extend something beyond its normal limits. In its sole New Testament usage, it describes Paul extending his discourse until midnight, reflecting the early church’s practice of extended teaching sessions. The compound structure emphasizes deliberate extension beyond normal boundaries. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the importance of thorough teaching and the value of extended spiritual discourse. Today, it reminds us of the importance of dedicated time for spiritual instruction and fellowship.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρατείνω, parateinō, /par-ah-TAY-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ah + TAY (stressed) + no (as in ‘no’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): alongside, beyond
• τείνω (teinō): to stretch, extend
• -ω (-ō): first person singular ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To extend beyond normal limits
• To prolong or continue
• To stretch out (time)

For compound words:
παρα- indicates extension beyond normal bounds, while τείνω provides the core concept of stretching, creating the sense of deliberate prolongation

Translation Options:

• “To prolong” – emphasizes intentional extension
• “To continue at length” – captures the ongoing nature
• “To extend” – maintains the stretching metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκτείνω (ekteinō) /ek-TAY-no/ – to stretch out, but with emphasis on physical extension
• διατείνω (diateinō) /dee-ah-TAY-no/ – to stretch through or across
• προτείνω (proteinō) /pro-TAY-no/ – to stretch forward or ahead

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρατείνω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist (in its NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples of forms:
παρατείνω (I extend)
παρέτεινε(ν) (he/she/it extended)
παρατείνειν (to extend)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its temporal usage in extending time. Thayer’s notes its literal meaning of stretching alongside. LSJ documents its classical usage for both physical and temporal extension. Vine’s highlights its significance in describing extended discourse. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in papyri for extending time periods.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he [παρατείνω] prolonged his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρατείνω emphasizes deliberate extension beyond normal limits, particularly in temporal contexts. Its use in Acts highlights the dedication to teaching and fellowship in early Christian gatherings.

D – Did You Know?

• The verse containing παρατείνω provides the earliest reference to Sunday worship in Christian literature
• The extended discourse resulted in the incident with Eutychus falling from the window
• The word reflects the early church practice of lengthy teaching sessions, often lasting until midnight

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (alongside/beyond) with τείνω (to stretch/extend), meaning “to stretch out, prolong, or continue.” Used in Acts 20:7 to describe Paul’s extended discourse. Reflects early Christian practice of extended teaching and fellowship gatherings.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #acts #paul #teaching #time #extension #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​