Brief Overview of παρεκτός (Strong’s G3924: parektos)

Strong’s G3924: A compound word combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ἐκτός (outside), meaning “except for, apart from, besides.” Used in Matthew 5:32 regarding divorce exception, Acts 26:29 for external matters, and 2 Corinthians 11:28 for additional concerns. Marks significant exclusions or additions.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρεκτός functions as both a preposition and an adverb, marking exceptions or additional matters. In Matthew, it provides the crucial exception clause in Jesus’s teaching on divorce. In Paul’s writings, it indicates matters beyond those already mentioned. Early church fathers used this term extensively in discussions of marriage, divorce, and pastoral concerns. Today, it remains significant in theological discussions about marriage ethics and pastoral responsibilities.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρεκτός, parektos, /par-ek-TOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ek (as in ‘echo’) + TOS (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Preposition/Adverb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
• ἐκτός (ektos): outside, except
• Combined to express exception or addition

D – Defining Meanings

• Except for
• Apart from
• In addition to

For compound words:
παρα- combines with ἐκτός to create a stronger sense of exception or addition, emphasizing what lies beyond normal boundaries

Translation Options:

• “Except for” – emphasizes exclusion
• “Apart from” – stresses separation
• “Besides” – captures additional aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκτός (ektos) /ek-TOS/ – outside, without the additional nuance
• χωρίς (chōris) /kho-REES/ – apart from, more general separation
• πλήν (plēn) /playn/ – except, more emphatic exception

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a preposition/adverb, παρεκτός is:

• Indeclinable
• Functions with genitive case
• Can be used substantively with article

Cross-references:

• Related adverb: ἐκτός (ektos)
• Related preposition: παρά (para)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its dual use for exceptions and additions. Thayer’s notes its importance in ethical teachings. LSJ documents classical usage for exclusions. Vine’s highlights its significance in marriage teaching. Moulton and Milligan note its legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, [παρεκτός] except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery” (Matthew 5:32)

Additional References:
Acts 26:29, 2 Corinthians 11:28

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρεκτός serves a crucial role in both establishing exceptions to general rules and indicating additional matters, particularly significant in Jesus’s teaching on divorce and Paul’s pastoral concerns.

D – Did You Know?

• The word plays a crucial role in Christian marriage doctrine
• It appears in both legal and ethical contexts in ancient texts
• The term influenced early church discussions on pastoral responsibilities

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound word combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ἐκτός (outside), meaning “except for, apart from, besides.” Used in Matthew 5:32 regarding divorce exception, Acts 26:29 for external matters, and 2 Corinthians 11:28 for additional concerns. Marks significant exclusions or additions.

Part of speech: Preposition/Adverb

Tags: #preposition #adverb #divorce #exception #marriage #paul #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #ethics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​