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G3951 (παροτρύνω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3951
Original Word: παροτρύνω
Transliteration: parotrýnō
Pronunciation: par-ot-roo'-no
Part of Speech: verb
Root / Etymology: from G3844 (παρά) and (to spur);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1901

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to urge along, i.e. stimulate (to hostility)

stir up

from G3844 (παρά) and (to spur);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G3951: A compound verb combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ὀτρύνω (to urge), meaning "to stir up, incite, or instigate." Used in Acts 13:50 describing opposition to Paul's ministry. Emphasizes deliberate instigation of hostile action, particularly in contexts of persecution against early Christians.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροτρύνω describes intentional instigation of hostile action. In its sole New Testament usage, it depicts the stirring up of persecution against Paul and Barnabas. The compound structure intensifies the basic meaning of urging or inciting. Early church writers used this term to discuss persecution dynamics and organized opposition to the gospel. Today, it helps understand patterns of resistance to Christian ministry and organized opposition to truth.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: παροτρύνω, parotrynō, /par-ot-ROO-no/
Detailed pronunciation: par (as in 'par') + ot + ROO (stressed) + no
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
ὀτρύνω (otrynō): to urge, incite
Combined to express intensified instigation

D - Defining Meanings

To stir up
To incite
To instigate hostility

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies ὀτρύνω's meaning of urging, creating the sense of deliberate provocation

Translation Options:

"To stir up" - emphasizes agitation
"To incite" - captures instigation
"To instigate" - stresses deliberate action

E - Exploring Similar Words

παροξύνω (paroxynō) /par-ox-OO-no/ - to provoke, more general
ἐρεθίζω (erethizō) /er-eth-ID-zo/ - to stir up, less intense
ἀναστατόω (anastatoō) /an-as-tat-OH-o/ - to upset, cause trouble

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a verb, παροτρύνω exhibits:

Tense: Aorist
Voice: Active
Mood: Indicative
Person: 3rd
Number: Plural
Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:
παροτρύνω (I incite)
παρώτρυναν (they incited)
παροτρύνειν (to incite)

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S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its hostile connotations. Thayer's notes its use in persecution contexts. LSJ documents classical usage for political instigation. Vine's highlights its intentional nature. Moulton and Milligan note its use in conflict situations.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"But the Jews [παροτρύνω] incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district" (Acts 13:50)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Xenophon: Anabasis	"The leaders [παροτρύνω] stirred up the soldiers to battle"
Polybius: Histories	"They [παροτρύνω] incited the crowd against the rulers"
Plutarch: Lives	"The orator [παροτρύνω] provoked the assembly to action"

N - Noteworthy Summary

παροτρύνω represents deliberate instigation of hostile action, particularly significant in understanding organized opposition to gospel ministry.

D - Did You Know?

The term was commonly used in political contexts
It appears in descriptions of organized persecution
The word influenced early Christian martyrdom accounts

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ὀτρύνω (to urge), meaning "to stir up, incite, or instigate." Used in Acts 13:50 describing opposition to Paul's ministry. Emphasizes deliberate instigation of hostile action, particularly in contexts of persecution against early Christians.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #persecution #acts #paul #opposition #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #ministry #resistance

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