Brief Overview of πάροδος (Strong’s G3938: parodos)

Strong’s G3938: A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with ὁδός (way), meaning “passing by, passage, or journey.” Used in 1 Corinthians 16:7 regarding Paul’s travel plans. Reflects the apostolic practice of strategic ministry planning and the importance of intentional pastoral visits.

U- Unveiling the Word

πάροδος describes a passing by or temporary visit. In its sole New Testament usage, Paul employs it to contrast a brief visit with a longer stay, emphasizing his desire for meaningful ministry time with the Corinthians. The compound structure suggests movement alongside or past something. Early church writers used this term to discuss pastoral visitation practices and missionary strategy. Today, it informs discussions about intentional ministry presence versus casual contact.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πάροδος, parodos, /PAR-od-os/
• Detailed pronunciation: PAR (stressed) + od (as in ‘odd’) + os
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, past
• ὁδός (hodos): way, road
• Combined to express passing by or passage

D – Defining Meanings

• Passing by
• Passage
• Brief visit

For compound words:
παρα- adds the concept of movement alongside to ὁδός’s meaning of way/road, creating the sense of passing through

Translation Options:

• “Passing visit” – emphasizes temporary nature
• “Journey by” – maintains travel context
• “Brief stop” – captures temporary aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διέξοδος (diexodos) /dee-EX-od-os/ – thoroughfare, complete passage
• εἴσοδος (eisodos) /ICE-od-os/ – entrance, way in
• ἔξοδος (exodos) /EX-od-os/ – exit, way out

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, πάροδος exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
πάροδος (nom.)
παρόδου (gen.)
παρόδῳ (dat.)
πάροδον (acc.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its travel context. Thayer’s notes its temporary nature. LSJ documents usage for side-passages. Vine’s highlights its contrast with longer stays. Moulton and Milligan note its common use in travel documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For I do not want to see you now just in [πάροδος] passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits” (1 Corinthians 16:7)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	“The army made a [πάροδος] passage through the territory”
Thucydides: History	“The ships made a [πάροδος] passing visit to the harbor”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“They requested [πάροδος] passage through the country”

N – Noteworthy Summary

πάροδος represents intentional but temporary presence, particularly significant in apostolic ministry strategy and the contrast between brief visits and sustained ministry presence.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in travel documents and passports
• It appears in classical drama for actors’ side entrances
• The word influenced early church pastoral visitation terminology

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with ὁδός (way), meaning “passing by, passage, or journey.” Used in 1 Corinthians 16:7 regarding Paul’s travel plans. Reflects the apostolic practice of strategic ministry planning and the importance of intentional pastoral visits.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #travel #paul #ministry #corinthians #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #pastoral_care #missions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​