Brief Overview of παραχρῆμα (Strong’s G3916: parachrēma)

Strong’s G3916: A compound adverb combining παρα (beside) with χρῆμα (matter/thing/time), meaning “instantly, immediately, at once.” Used frequently in Luke-Acts to emphasize the immediate nature of miraculous events and divine actions. Emphasizes the instantaneous nature of God’s intervention.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραχρῆμα emphasizes immediate action without delay. In the New Testament, it appears predominantly in Luke’s writings, often describing the instantaneous nature of miracles and divine interventions. The compound structure stresses the immediacy of the action. Early church writers used this term to highlight the power and authority of God’s immediate response to faith. Today, it reminds believers of God’s ability to act decisively and immediately in response to prayer and faith.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραχρῆμα, parachrēma, /par-ah-KRAY-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ah + KRAY (stressed) + mah
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• χρῆμα (chrēma): matter, thing, time
• Combined to express immediacy in time

D – Defining Meanings

• Instantly
• Immediately
• At that very moment

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies the temporal aspect of χρῆμα, creating the sense of immediate proximity in time

Translation Options:

• “Instantly” – emphasizes the immediacy
• “Immediately” – captures the lack of delay
• “At once” – expresses immediate sequence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εὐθέως (eutheōs) /yoo-THEH-oce/ – straightway, immediately
• εὐθύς (euthys) /yoo-THOOS/ – immediately, but with less emphasis
• ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs) /ex-ow-TACE/ – at once, from that moment

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, παραχρῆμα is:

• Indeclinable
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Often appears with aorist verbs to emphasize immediate action

Cross-references:

• Related noun: χρῆμα (chrēma)
• Related adjective: παραχρηματικός (parachrēmatikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in miraculous contexts. Thayer’s notes its frequency in Luke’s writings. LSJ documents classical usage for immediate action. Vine’s highlights its connection to divine intervention. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in official documents for immediate action.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And [παραχρῆμα] immediately the fig tree withered” (Matthew 21:19)

Additional References:
Luke 1:64, Luke 4:39, Luke 5:25, Luke 8:44, Luke 8:47, Luke 13:13, Luke 18:43, Luke 19:11, Luke 22:60, Acts 3:7, Acts 5:10, Acts 12:23, Acts 13:11, Acts 16:26

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραχρῆμα emphasizes the immediate nature of actions, particularly in contexts of divine intervention and miraculous events, highlighting God’s power to act instantly in response to faith.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears most frequently in Luke’s writings
• It’s often used to describe immediate healing miracles
• The term became important in early Christian discussions of divine timing

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound adverb combining παρα (beside) with χρῆμα (matter/thing/time), meaning “instantly, immediately, at once.” Used frequently in Luke-Acts to emphasize the immediate nature of miraculous events and divine actions. Emphasizes the instantaneous nature of God’s intervention.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #adverb #miracles #luke_acts #immediacy #divine_intervention #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #healing #faith​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​