Brief Overview of παραφρονία (Strong’s G3913: paraphronia)

Strong’s G3913: A compound noun derived from παρα (beside/beyond) and φρήν (mind), meaning “madness, folly, or being beside oneself.” Used in 2 Peter 2:16 regarding Balaam’s madness. Describes a state of mind that has deviated from rational or godly thinking, emphasizing spiritual rather than clinical insanity.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραφρονία represents a state where one’s thinking has moved away from sound judgment, particularly in spiritual matters. In its sole New Testament usage, it describes the prophet Balaam’s irrational behavior when rebuked by a donkey. The compound structure emphasizes deviation from proper mental function. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the foolishness of opposing God’s will. Today, it serves as a warning against allowing personal desires to override divine guidance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραφρονία, paraphronia, /par-ah-fro-NEE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ah + fro (as in ‘fro’) + NEE (stressed) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
• φρήν (phrēn): mind, understanding
• -ία (-ia): abstract noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Madness
• Folly
• Irrational behavior

For compound words:
παρα- indicates movement away from normal state, while φρήν provides the base meaning of mind or understanding, creating the concept of deviant thinking

Translation Options:

• “Madness” – emphasizes the severe deviation from normal thinking
• “Folly” – captures the spiritual/moral aspect
• “Irrationality” – focuses on the departure from sound reasoning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀφροσύνη (aphrosynē) /af-ro-SOO-nay/ – foolishness, with emphasis on lack of wisdom
• μανία (mania) /man-EE-ah/ – madness, more clinical or intense
• μωρία (mōria) /mo-REE-ah/ – foolishness, especially in spiritual matters

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παραφρονία exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παραφρονία (nom.)
παραφρονίας (gen.)
παραφρονίᾳ (dat.)
παραφρονίαν (acc.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to spiritual irrationality. Thayer’s notes its use for deviation from sound thinking. LSJ documents classical usage for mental derangement. Vine’s highlights its application to moral/spiritual madness. Moulton and Milligan note its usage in describing irrational behavior.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But he was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s [παραφρονία] madness” (2 Peter 2:16)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραφρονία describes a state of spiritual or moral madness where rational judgment is overcome by misguided desires or thinking, particularly emphasized in the context of opposing God’s will.

D – Did You Know?

• The term appears only once in the New Testament but became important in early Christian moral teaching
• It’s used in the context of one of the Bible’s most unusual stories – a talking donkey
• The word influenced early Christian discussions about spiritual discernment versus worldly wisdom

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun derived from παρα (beside/beyond) and φρήν (mind), meaning “madness, folly, or being beside oneself.” Used in 2 Peter 2:16 regarding Balaam’s madness. Describes a state of mind that has deviated from rational or godly thinking, emphasizing spiritual rather than clinical insanity.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #madness #folly #balaam #spiritual_discernment #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #peter #wisdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​