G3909
παρατυγχάνω
to chance near, i.e. fall in with
Transliteration
paratynchánōPronunciation
(par-at-oong-khan'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to chance near, i.e. fall in with
παρατυγχάνω(paratynchánō)
Strong’s Definition
to chance near, i.e. fall in with
from G3844 (παρά) and G5177 (τυγχάνω);
“Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G3909: A compound verb combining παρα (beside) with τυγχάνω (to happen/meet), meaning "to chance upon" or "to meet by chance." Used in Acts 17:17 to describe Paul's encounters with people in the marketplace. Reflects the practice of early Christian evangelism through spontaneous encounters.
U- Unveiling the Word
παρατυγχάνω describes chance encounters or happening upon someone. In its sole New Testament usage, it depicts Paul's evangelistic method in Athens, where he engaged with whoever happened to be present in the marketplace. The compound structure emphasizes the spontaneous nature of these encounters. Early church writers used this term to discuss the importance of being ready for divine appointments in everyday situations. Today, it reminds believers that evangelism often occurs through seemingly random encounters.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
παρα- suggests proximity or circumstance, while τυγχάνω provides the concept of chance occurrence, creating the sense of happening to be nearby
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
As a verb, παρατυγχάνω exhibits:
Examples:
παρατυγχάνω (I chance upon)
παρατυγχάνων (chancing upon - singular participle)
παρατυγχάνοντες (chancing upon - plural participle)
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its meaning of casual encounters. Thayer's notes its use for chance meetings. LSJ documents classical usage for unexpected encounters. Vine's highlights its significance in evangelistic contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in everyday situations.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
"So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who [παρατυγχάνω] happened to be there" (Acts 17:17)
Additional References:
None in the New Testament
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
παρατυγχάνω represents the concept of divine providence in seemingly random encounters. Its usage in Acts highlights Paul's method of engaging with people in everyday settings for evangelistic purposes.
D - Did You Know?
[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (beside) with τυγχάνω (to happen/meet), meaning "to chance upon" or "to meet by chance." Used in Acts 17:17 to describe Paul's encounters with people in the marketplace. Reflects the practice of early Christian evangelism through spontaneous encounters.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #verb #acts #paul #evangelism #providence #athens #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #marketplace