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G3909 (παρατυγχάνω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3909
Original Word: παρατυγχάνω
Transliteration: paratynchánō
Pronunciation: par-at-oong-khan'-o
Part of Speech: verb
Root / Etymology: from G3844 (παρά) and G5177 (τυγχάνω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 2336

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to chance near, i.e. fall in with

meet with

from G3844 (παρά) and G5177 (τυγχάνω);

Commentary

Contributors:

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

Greek Word: παρατυγχάνω, paratygchanō, /par-ah-TING-khan-oh/
Detailed pronunciation: par (as in 'par') + ah + TING (stressed) + khan (as in 'Khan') + oh
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
τυγχάνω (tygchanō): to happen, meet, obtain
-ω (-ō): verb ending

D - Defining Meanings

To happen to be present
To meet by chance
To encounter unexpectedly

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:

"To chance upon" - emphasizes the unexpected nature
"To happen to be present" - captures the circumstantial aspect
"To meet incidentally" - reflects the unplanned nature

E - Exploring Similar Words

συντυγχάνω (syntygchanō) /sin-TING-khan-oh/ - to meet with, implying more purpose
ἐντυγχάνω (entygchanō) /en-TING-khan-oh/ - to meet for intercession
προστυγχάνω (prostygchanō) /pros-TING-khan-oh/ - to approach, with more intention

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a verb, παρατυγχάνω exhibits:

Tense: Present participle (in NT usage)
Voice: Active
Mood: Participle
Person: N/A (participial form)
Number: Plural
Aspect: Continuous

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

Author: Work	Text
Thucydides: History	"Those who [παρατυγχάνω] happened to be present witnessed the event"
Xenophon: Memorabilia	"Socrates engaged with whoever [παρατυγχάνω] chanced to meet him"
Plutarch: Lives	"The citizens who [παρατυγχάνω] were passing by joined the assembly"

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?

The word appears in a crucial passage describing Paul's evangelistic method in Athens
It reflects the early Christian practice of marketplace evangelism
The term influenced early Christian understanding of providential encounters

[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

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