Brief Overview of παροψίς (Strong’s G3953: paropsis)

Strong’s G3953: A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with ὄψον (food/dish), meaning “a side dish” or “platter.” Used metaphorically in Matthew 23:25 in Jesus’s critique of religious hypocrisy, where external cleanliness contrasts with internal corruption. Represents ceremonial vessels in Jewish religious practice.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροψίς refers to a dish or platter, particularly for side dishes or delicacies. Jesus uses it metaphorically to address Pharisaic focus on external cleanliness while neglecting internal purity. The compound structure suggests something placed alongside the main dish. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the relationship between outward religiosity and inner holiness. Today, it serves as a powerful metaphor for authentic spirituality versus superficial religious observance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παροψίς, paropsis, /par-OP-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + OP (stressed) + sis (as in ‘kiss’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• ὄψον (opson): food, dish
• -ις (-is): noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Side dish
• Platter
• Serving dish

For compound words:
παρα- combines with ὄψον to indicate a dish served alongside or in addition to the main course

Translation Options:

• “Platter” – emphasizes container aspect
• “Dish” – more general term
• “Side dish” – captures original meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πίναξ (pinax) /PIN-aks/ – plate, more general
• τρυβλίον (tryblion) /try-BLEE-on/ – bowl
• ποτήριον (potērion) /po-TAY-ree-on/ – cup

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παροψίς exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:
παροψίς (nom. sing.)
παροψίδος (gen. sing.)
παροψίδες (nom. pl.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ceremonial significance. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical usage. LSJ documents culinary contexts. Vine’s highlights its role in Jesus’s teaching. Moulton and Milligan note its common household usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the [παροψίς] platter, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παροψίς represents both literal dining vessels and metaphorical spiritual truth about authentic versus superficial religious practice.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in ancient dining etiquette
• It appears in discussions of Jewish ceremonial washing
• The word became a metaphor for religious hypocrisy

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with ὄψον (food/dish), meaning “a side dish” or “platter.” Used metaphorically in Matthew 23:25 in Jesus’s critique of religious hypocrisy, where external cleanliness contrasts with internal corruption. Represents ceremonial vessels in Jewish religious practice.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #vessels #pharisees #hypocrisy #ceremonial_washing #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #jesus_teaching #religious_practice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​