Brief Overview of παροξυσμός (Strong’s G3948: paroxysmos)

Strong’s G3948: A compound noun derived from παροξύνω (to provoke), meaning “sharp disagreement, provocation, or incitement.” Used in Acts 15:39 regarding Paul and Barnabas’s disagreement and in Hebrews 10:24 positively for mutual encouragement. Demonstrates both interpersonal conflict and spiritual motivation.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροξυσμός represents intense emotional or spiritual stirring that leads to action. In Acts, it describes the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, while in Hebrews it portrays positive stimulation toward love and good works. The compound structure suggests sharpening to a point of action. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both conflict resolution and spiritual motivation. Today, it helps understand both ministry conflicts and mutual encouragement.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παροξυσμός, paroxysmos, /par-ox-oos-MOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ox + oos + MOS (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
• ὀξύς (oxys): sharp
• -μός (-mos): noun suffix indicating action/result

D – Defining Meanings

• Sharp disagreement
• Provocation to action
• Intense stimulation

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies the base meaning of sharpness, while -μός forms an abstract noun describing the resulting state or action

Translation Options:

• “Sharp disagreement” – emphasizes conflict
• “Provocation” – captures motivation
• “Incitement” – stresses instigation to action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἔρις (eris) /ER-is/ – strife, more negative
• παρακλησις (paraklēsis) /par-AK-lay-sis/ – encouragement, more positive
• διαφωνία (diaphōnia) /dee-a-fo-NEE-a/ – discord

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παροξυσμός exhibits:

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

Examples:
παροξυσμός (nom. sing.)
παροξυσμοῦ (gen. sing.)
παροξυσμοί (nom. pl.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes both negative and positive uses. Thayer’s emphasizes intensity. LSJ documents medical usage for acute symptoms. Vine’s highlights its dual application. Moulton and Milligan note its frequency in emotional contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And there occurred a [παροξυσμός] sharp disagreement, so that they separated from one another” (Acts 15:39)

Additional References:
Hebrews 10:24

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παροξυσμός represents intense stimulation that can manifest either as sharp disagreement or positive motivation, demonstrating both human conflict and spiritual encouragement.

D – Did You Know?

• The word gives us the English medical term “paroxysm”
• It appears in both the most negative and positive contexts
• The term was commonly used in ancient medical literature

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun derived from παροξύνω (to provoke), meaning “sharp disagreement, provocation, or incitement.” Used in Acts 15:39 regarding Paul and Barnabas’s disagreement and in Hebrews 10:24 positively for mutual encouragement. Demonstrates both interpersonal conflict and spiritual motivation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #conflict #encouragement #acts #hebrews #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #paul #barnabas​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​