Brief Overview of παρίημι (Strong’s G3935: pariēmi)

Strong’s G3935: A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with ἵημι (to send/let go), meaning “to let drop, relax, or become weary.” Used in Hebrews 12:12 regarding drooping hands, metaphorically describing spiritual weariness. Emphasizes the need for renewed spiritual vigor in Christian life.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρίημι literally means “to let go beside” or “to let drop,” and carries both physical and spiritual connotations. In its sole New Testament usage, it describes drooping hands as a metaphor for spiritual exhaustion and discouragement. The compound structure emphasizes the gradual releasing or dropping away of strength. Early church fathers used this term to discuss spiritual fatigue and the need for renewed vigor in faith. Today, it speaks to the reality of spiritual weariness and the call to renewed strength in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρίημι, pariēmi, /par-EE-ay-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + EE (stressed) + ay + mee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• ἵημι (hiēmi): to send, let go
• Combined to express letting drop or relaxing

D – Defining Meanings

• To let drop
• To relax
• To become weary

For compound words:
παρα- adds the sense of beside or away to ἵημι’s meaning of letting go, creating the concept of dropping down or releasing

Translation Options:

• “To droop” – emphasizes physical manifestation
• “To grow weary” – captures emotional/spiritual aspect
• “To let drop” – maintains literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκλύω (eklyō) /ek-LOO-oh/ – to grow weary, more complete exhaustion
• καταπίπτω (katapiptō) /kat-a-PIP-to/ – to fall down, more sudden
• ἀτονέω (atoneō) /at-on-EH-oh/ – to slacken, similar meaning

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρίημι exhibits:

• Tense: Perfect Participle (in NT usage)
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Gender: Accusative
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Stative

Examples:
παρίημι (I let drop)
παρειμένος (having been let drop)
παρεῖναι (to let drop)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to physical weariness. LSJ documents classical usage for relaxation. Vine’s highlights its spiritual application. Moulton and Milligan note its medical usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Therefore lift your [παρίημι] drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees” (Hebrews 12:12)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρίημι represents both physical and spiritual weariness, used metaphorically to encourage renewal of spiritual vigor and perseverance in faith.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in medical texts
• It appears in athletic contexts for physical exhaustion
• The word influenced Christian vocabulary for spiritual renewal

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with ἵημι (to send/let go), meaning “to let drop, relax, or become weary.” Used in Hebrews 12:12 regarding drooping hands, metaphorically describing spiritual weariness. Emphasizes the need for renewed spiritual vigor in Christian life.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #weariness #hebrews #perseverance #renewal #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #spiritual_growth #encouragement​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​