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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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