Brief Overview of παρρησιάζομαι (Strong’s G3955: parrēsiazomai)

Strong’s G3955: A denominative verb derived from παρρησία, meaning “to speak boldly, to speak with courage.” Used primarily in Acts to describe apostolic proclamation of the gospel despite opposition. Represents the Spirit-empowered courage characteristic of early Christian witness.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρρησιάζομαι embodies courageous proclamation of truth despite opposition. In Acts, it consistently describes apostolic preaching, particularly in hostile environments. Originally denoting free speech in Greek democracy, it became a distinctive mark of Spirit-filled evangelism. Early church fathers saw it as evidence of authentic apostolic ministry. Today, it exemplifies the courage needed for Christian witness in challenging contexts.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρρησιάζομαι, parrēsiazomai, /par-ray-see-AD-zo-mai/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ray + see + AD (stressed) + zo + mai
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρρησία (parrēsia): boldness
• -ζομαι (-zomai): middle/passive verb ending
• Denominative verb formed from παρρησία

D – Defining Meanings

• To speak boldly
• To proclaim courageously
• To act with confidence

For compound words:
Derived from παρρησία (bold speech), with -ζομαι forming a middle voice verb indicating personal involvement

Translation Options:

• “To speak boldly” – emphasizes courage
• “To proclaim openly” – stresses public nature
• “To be courageous in speech” – captures full meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τολμάω (tolmaō) /tol-MAH-oh/ – to dare, more general
• καταγγέλλω (katangellō) /kat-an-GEL-lo/ – to proclaim
• κηρύσσω (kēryssō) /kay-ROOS-so/ – to preach

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρρησιάζομαι exhibits:

• Tense: Imperfect, Aorist, Present
• Voice: Middle/Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive, Punctiliar

Examples:
παρρησιάζομαι (I speak boldly)
ἐπαρρησιάσατο (he spoke boldly)
παρρησιαζόμενος (speaking boldly)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in missionary contexts. Thayer’s notes its development from democratic ideals. LSJ documents classical usage for free speech. Vine’s highlights its importance in Acts. Moulton and Milligan note its occurrence in contexts of resistance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had [παρρησιάζομαι] preached boldly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27)

Additional References:
Acts 13:46, Acts 14:3, Acts 18:26, Acts 19:8, Acts 26:26, Ephesians 6:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρρησιάζομαι represents Spirit-empowered boldness in gospel proclamation, characterizing authentic Christian witness in the face of opposition.

D – Did You Know?

• The term appears most frequently in Acts
• It was considered a hallmark of democratic freedom
• The word became a technical term for apostolic preaching

[Lexicon Summary]
A denominative verb derived from παρρησία, meaning “to speak boldly, to speak with courage.” Used primarily in Acts to describe apostolic proclamation of the gospel despite opposition. Represents the Spirit-empowered courage characteristic of early Christian witness.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #boldness #acts #evangelism #apostles #preaching #biblical_greek #new_testament #persecution #witness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​