Brief Overview of παρεισφέρω (Strong’s G3923: pareispherō)

Strong’s G3923: A compound verb combining παρα (beside) + εἰς (into) + φέρω (to bring), meaning “to bring in besides/in addition.” Used in 2 Peter 1:5 to describe the believer’s active role in adding virtues to faith. Emphasizes deliberate contribution to spiritual growth alongside God’s work.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρεισφέρω represents the act of bringing something additional alongside what already exists. In its sole New Testament usage, Peter employs it to describe believers’ responsibility to actively contribute to their spiritual development. The compound structure emphasizes deliberate addition alongside existing faith. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the partnership between divine grace and human responsibility in spiritual growth. Today, it reminds believers of their active role in sanctification while acknowledging God’s primary work.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρεισφέρω, pareispherō, /par-ice-FEH-ro/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ice + FEH (stressed) + ro
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• εἰς- (eis-): into
• φέρω (pherō): to bring
• Combined prefix παρεισ- emphasizes additional contribution

D – Defining Meanings

• To bring in besides
• To contribute additionally
• To add alongside

For compound words:
The triple compound creates the concept of bringing (φέρω) into (εἰς) alongside (παρα), emphasizing supplementary contribution

Translation Options:

• “To bring in addition” – emphasizes supplementary nature
• “To contribute alongside” – stresses complementary action
• “To add to” – simpler but loses some nuance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσφέρω (prospherō) /pros-FEH-ro/ – to bring to, more direct approach
• εἰσφέρω (eispherō) /ice-FEH-ro/ – to bring in, without alongside aspect
• συμφέρω (sympherō) /sym-FEH-ro/ – to bring together

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρεισφέρω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist Participle (in NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (participial form)
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:
παρεισφέρω (I bring in addition)
παρεισενέγκαντες (having brought in addition)
παρεισφέρειν (to bring in addition)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its active contribution aspect. Thayer’s notes its use for supplementary effort. LSJ documents classical usage for additional contributions. Vine’s highlights its significance in spiritual growth. Moulton and Milligan note its use in financial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For this very reason, [παρεισφέρω] making every effort, add to your faith virtue” (2 Peter 1:5)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρεισφέρω describes the active, intentional contribution believers make to their spiritual development, emphasizing human responsibility while acknowledging divine initiative.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in a crucial passage about spiritual growth
• It influenced early Christian understanding of sanctification
• The term was commonly used in financial contexts for additional contributions

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (beside) + εἰς (into) + φέρω (to bring), meaning “to bring in besides/in addition.” Used in 2 Peter 1:5 to describe the believer’s active role in adding virtues to faith. Emphasizes deliberate contribution to spiritual growth alongside God’s work.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #spiritual_growth #sanctification #peter #virtues #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #faith #discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​