### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3851 παραβουλεύομαι is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para) and the middle voice of the verb βουλεύω (bouleuō). The prefix παρά can convey nuances such as "beside," "amiss," "contrary to," or "beyond." The base verb βουλεύω means "to counsel," "to deliberate," or "to plan." In the middle voice, βουλεύομαι implies "to counsel oneself," "to deliberate for oneself," or "to form a plan."
Combining these elements, G3851 παραβουλεύομαι literally signifies "to counsel oneself amiss," "to deliberate wrongly," or "to plan contrary to what is right or wise." The core meaning thus points to a faulty or misguided deliberation. This leads to its derived sense of "disregard" or "not to regard," as one who misconsults or deliberates poorly effectively disregards sound counsel or proper considerations. It implies a failure to properly consider or an intentional deviation from what is prudent, often preferring one's own flawed judgment or that of others over sound wisdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3851 παραβουλεύομαι appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:12]]**: "And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to put out from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and winter there. But the centurion paid attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship rather than to what Paul said." (ESV, emphasis added for clarity, though the word itself is often translated as "disregarded" or "paid attention... rather than").
In this critical passage, Paul, a prisoner on a ship bound for Rome, warns the centurion and others about the perils of continuing their voyage during the dangerous season. He states, "I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives" [[Acts 27:10]]. Despite this prophetic warning, the centurion, who had the ultimate authority, chose to παραβουλεύομαι – he "misconsulted" or "disregarded" Paul's counsel. He was swayed by the majority opinion of the pilot and the ship's owner, who likely prioritized commercial interests or their own experience over Paul's ominous foreboding. The immediate consequence of this disregard was the violent storm (the "Euroclydon") that nearly destroyed the ship and its passengers, fulfilling Paul's warning. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the danger and negative ramifications of disregarding sound, even divinely-inspired, advice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G3851 παραβουλεύομαι encompasses words related to counsel, planning, obedience, and disobedience.
* **βουλεύω `{{G1011}}` / βουλή `{{G1012}}`**: The base verb and its noun form, meaning "to counsel," "to deliberate," "to plan," and "counsel," "purpose," or "will," respectively. G3851 παραβουλεύομαι represents a perversion or failure of this proper deliberation.
* **παρακοή `{{G3876}}`**: "Disobedience," derived from παρά (amiss) and ἀκούω (to hear). This word denotes a failure to hear properly, or a hearing that leads to disregard. It highlights the active turning away from what is heard, much like G3851 παραβουλεύομαι highlights a turning away from sound counsel.
* **ἀπειθέω `{{G544}}`**: "To be disobedient," "to refuse to believe" or "to be unpersuaded." This term captures the essence of rejecting advice or truth, which often underlies the act of "misconsulting."
* **ἀμελέω `{{G272}}`**: "To neglect," "to be careless." While G3851 παραβουλεύομαι implies a more active, though flawed, deliberation, ἀμελέω suggests a passive lack of care or attention, which can also lead to similar negative outcomes.
* **ἀθετέω `{{G114}}`**: "To reject," "to set aside," "to nullify." This verb describes the action of dismissing or invalidating something, which is the practical outcome of "misconsulting" sound advice.
The concept of wisdom versus folly, and the importance of heeding warnings and divine guidance, are central to understanding the implications of G3851 παραβουλεύομαι.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of G3851 παραβουλεύομαι is profound. It serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of human self-reliance and the rejection of divine wisdom, even when that wisdom is conveyed through human instruments.
1. **The Danger of Disregarding Counsel**: The narrative in [[Acts 27]] powerfully demonstrates that disregarding wise counsel—especially counsel that is implicitly or explicitly aligned with God's will—leads to peril. The centurion's decision, influenced by the "majority" and human expertise, led directly to immense suffering and loss, narrowly averted by God's grace and Paul's intercession. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: those who "misconsult" or disregard divine warnings often face severe consequences (e.g., Pharaoh's disregard of Moses, Israel's rejection of the prophets).
2. **Humility vs. Self-Reliance**: The act of παραβουλεύομαι often stems from a lack of humility, preferring one's own judgment or the consensus of human opinion over a seemingly counter-intuitive or challenging word of wisdom. It underscores the spiritual principle that true wisdom often runs contrary to worldly logic or popular sentiment.
3. **The Importance of Discernment**: For believers, this word emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment. While not every piece of advice is divinely inspired, the narrative encourages careful consideration of counsel, particularly when it comes from those who walk with God, and to weigh it against biblical principles.
4. **Consequences of Folly**: In a broader biblical context, G3851 παραβουλεύομαι aligns with the concept of folly versus wisdom found extensively in the Old Testament, particularly Proverbs. Folly is not merely a lack of knowledge, but an active rejection or disregard of wisdom, leading to self-inflicted harm.
### Summary
G3851 παραβουλεύομαι signifies "to misconsult," "to deliberate wrongly," or "to disregard." It describes an act of faulty counsel or planning that leads one to ignore sound advice. Its singular occurrence in [[Acts 27:12]] is highly illustrative: the centurion's decision to παραβουλεύομαι Paul's warning, preferring the counsel of the pilot and owner, directly led to the perilous storm and near shipwreck. Theologically, this word underscores the critical importance of heeding wise counsel, especially that which aligns with divine wisdom, and the severe consequences that can arise from self-reliant disregard and the rejection of prophetic or Spirit-led warnings. It serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of human folly when set against the path of divine prudence.
TRV