### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parabállō**, represented by `{{G3846}}`, is built from roots meaning "to throw alongside." It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This foundational idea of placing one thing beside another gives the word two distinct applications: the figurative act of making a comparison and the literal act of arriving at a physical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{G3846}}` in scripture perfectly illustrate its dual meaning. In a figurative sense, it is used in Mark's Gospel during a discussion about the kingdom of God, with the question, "...with what comparison shall we **compare** it?" [[Mark 4:30]]. Here, the word describes the mental act of placing one concept beside another to create an analogy. In contrast, the Book of Acts uses it in a literal, geographical sense to describe Paul's missionary journeys: "...the next day we **arrived** at Samos..." [[Acts 20:15]]. In this context, it simply means to reach a destination, placing the ship alongside the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the two facets of `{{G3846}}`:
* `{{G3850}}` **parabolḗ**: Defined as "a similitude ('parable')...comparison, figure, parable, proverb," this word is derived directly from `{{G3846}}`. It is the very term used for the "comparison" in [[Mark 4:30]] and is central to Jesus' teaching method, as when "he spake many things unto them in **parables**" [[Matthew 13:3]].
* `{{G3666}}` **homoióō**: Meaning "to assimilate, i.e. compare," this word functions similarly to the figurative sense of `{{G3846}}`. It is frequently used to introduce parables, such as, "The kingdom of heaven is **likened** unto a man which sowed good seed" [[Matthew 13:24]].
* `{{G636}}` **apopléō**: Meaning "to set sail," this word relates to the literal travel context of `{{G3846}}`. It appears in the same travel narrative in Acts, where the travelers first "**sailed** thence" before they eventually arrived at Samos [[Acts 20:15]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3846}}` lies in its demonstration of bringing things together, both physically and conceptually.
* **Foundation of Parabolic Teaching:** The figurative use of the word is essential to understanding the nature of parables. To **compare** `{{G3846}}` the kingdom of God to something earthly is to lay an abstract truth alongside a concrete story, making the divine understandable. This is the action that gives birth to the **parabolḗ** `{{G3850}}`, or parable.
* **Marking a Journey's Progress:** The literal use of the word to **arrive** is straightforward but important in the biblical narrative. It marks the completion of a leg of a journey, grounding the apostolic mission in real-world time and space, as seen in the detailed travel log of Acts [[Acts 20:15]].
### Summary
In summary, **parabállō** `{{G3846}}` is a concise word with a potent, twofold meaning. Though it appears only twice, it captures both the intellectual process of creating a comparison and the physical action of completing a voyage. It serves as the verbal root for the concept of the "parable," a cornerstone of Jesus' ministry, while also functioning as a practical term to narrate the movements of the early church. The word effectively illustrates the idea of "placing alongside," whether for teaching or for travel.
TRV