Brief Overview of παραφρονέω (Strong’s G3912: pararhroneō)

Strong’s G3912: A compound verb combining παρα (beside/beyond) with φρονέω (to think/mind), meaning “to be beside oneself” or “to be out of one’s mind.” Used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:23 in self-deprecating irony when defending his apostleship. Reflects the perceived foolishness of the gospel message.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραφρονέω literally means “to think beside” or to have one’s mind moved away from normal thinking. In its sole New Testament usage, Paul employs it ironically when defending his apostolic credentials, suggesting that his boasting might seem like madness but contains divine wisdom. The compound structure emphasizes deviation from conventional thinking. Early church fathers used this term to discuss how Christian wisdom often appears as foolishness to the world. Today, it reminds believers that following Christ may sometimes appear irrational to worldly perspectives.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραφρονέω, paraphroneō, /par-ah-fro-NEH-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ah + fro (as in ‘fro’) + NEH (stressed) + oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
• φρονέω (phroneō): to think, mind
• -ω (-ō): verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To be beside oneself
• To be out of one’s mind
• To think irrationally

For compound words:
παρα- indicates movement away from normal state, while φρονέω provides the concept of thinking, creating the sense of thinking outside normal patterns

Translation Options:

• “To be out of one’s mind” – emphasizes the departure from normal thinking
• “To speak as a fool” – captures Paul’s ironic usage
• “To be beside oneself” – maintains the literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μαίνομαι (mainomai) /MAI-no-mai/ – to be mad, with more emphasis on insanity
• ἀφρονέω (aphroneō) /a-fro-NEH-oh/ – to be foolish, lacking wisdom
• ἐξίστημι (existēmi) /ex-IS-tay-mi/ – to be amazed or beside oneself

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παραφρονέω exhibits:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 1st
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples:
παραφρονῶ (I am beside myself)
παραφρονεῖ (he/she is beside themselves)
παραφρονοῦντες (those being beside themselves)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of apparent irrationality. Thayer’s notes its connection to being beyond one’s senses. LSJ documents classical usage for mental derangement. Vine’s highlights Paul’s ironic usage. Moulton and Milligan note its medical usage for mental conditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Are they servants of Christ? I [παραφρονέω] am speaking as out of my mind—I am a better one: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments” (2 Corinthians 11:23)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραφρονέω represents a state of thinking that deviates from normal patterns, used by Paul to acknowledge how his boasting might appear foolish while actually containing divine wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in medical contexts for mental conditions
• Paul uses it as part of his “fool’s speech” in defending his apostleship
• The word influenced early Christian discussions about divine wisdom versus worldly wisdom

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (beside/beyond) with φρονέω (to think/mind), meaning “to be beside oneself” or “to be out of one’s mind.” Used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:23 in self-deprecating irony when defending his apostleship. Reflects the perceived foolishness of the gospel message.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #pauline_epistles #wisdom #foolishness #irony #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #apostleship #worldview​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​