### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παραγγελία (parangelía - `{{G3852}}`) is derived from the verb παραγγέλλω (parangellō - `{{G3853}}`), which means "to transmit a message," "to announce," "to instruct," or "to command." Consequently, παραγγελία refers to the content or result of such an authoritative transmission. Its core meaning encompasses a specific order, injunction, directive, charge, or mandate. It is not merely a suggestion or a piece of advice, but an authoritative instruction that carries weight and implies a binding obligation. The term conveys the sense of a formal, often serious, and binding command given by one in authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παραγγελία appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are significant:
* **[[Acts 5:28]]**: "Did not we strictly charge (παραγγελίᾳ παρηγγείλαμεν) you not to teach in this name?" Here, the Sanhedrin uses the term to describe their stern and authoritative prohibition to Peter and the apostles against preaching in the name of Jesus. It highlights a legal and authoritative command issued by human rulers.
* **[[Acts 16:24]]**: "who, having received such a charge (τοιαύτην παραγγελίαν), thrust them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks." In this instance, the jailer receives a specific, strict, and authoritative order from the magistrates regarding the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. Again, it denotes a human command of a binding nature.
* **[[1 Timothy 1:5]]**: "Now the end of the commandment (τῆς παραγγελίας) is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." Paul uses παραγγελία here to refer to the core ethical and theological instruction or "charge" that he gives, emphasizing that its ultimate goal is love. This is a foundational directive for Christian living.
* **[[1 Timothy 1:18]]**: "This charge (ταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν) I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare." Paul entrusts Timothy with a weighty, specific mandate concerning his ministry, his conduct, and the sound doctrine he is to uphold. It is a solemn commission.
* **[[2 Peter 2:21]]**: "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment (τῆς ἁγίας παραγγελίας) delivered unto them." Peter refers to a "holy command" or "sacred instruction" that believers have received, implying its divine origin and the moral obligation to adhere to it. The adjective "holy" underscores its divine source and profound significance.
Across these contexts, παραγγελία consistently denotes an authoritative injunction, whether from human authorities or, more profoundly, from God or His apostles. In the Pastoral Epistles, it carries significant theological weight, referring to divine or divinely-inspired instructions for Christian conduct, doctrine, and ministry, often implying a serious, binding duty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which παραγγελία is derived, παραγγέλλω (parangellō - `{{G3853}}`), meaning "to give a charge," "to command," or "to instruct." The noun is the substantive form of this action, representing the actual command or instruction given.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* ἐντολή (entolē - `{{G1785}}`): "commandment," often referring to a divine precept, like the Mosaic Law or Christ's specific commands. While similar in meaning, παραγγελία often implies a more specific, perhaps immediate, or particular injunction, whereas ἐντολή can be more general or foundational.
* διδαχή (didachē - `{{G1322}}`): "teaching" or "doctrine." A παραγγελία can be a specific command or directive embedded within a broader διδαχή.
* προστάσσω (prostassō - `{{G4367}}`): "to command" or "to order."
The distinctiveness of παραγγελία lies in its emphasis on the *authoritative nature* and *binding quality* of the instruction, often given as a personal charge or mandate.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παραγγελία is profound, particularly in the Pastoral Epistles. It highlights the authoritative nature of apostolic and, by extension, divine instruction within the Christian faith.
1. **Divine Authority:** When used in contexts like [[1 Timothy 1:5]], [[1 Timothy 1:18]], and [[2 Peter 2:21]], παραγγελία underscores that Christian living and ministry are not based on human suggestions or preferences, but on authoritative mandates from God, conveyed through His apostles. The "holy commandment" in 2 Peter 2:21 explicitly links the instruction to divine holiness and origin.
2. **Seriousness of Christian Calling:** The "charge" committed to Timothy signifies the weighty responsibility of Christian leadership and the imperative of upholding sound doctrine and godly conduct. It implies a divine commission that demands faithfulness, perseverance, and spiritual warfare.
3. **Ethical Imperative:** The "commandment" whose end is love ([[1 Timothy 1:5]]) reveals that Christian ethics are not merely moral ideals but divine mandates, requiring sincere adherence from a transformed heart. Turning away from such a "holy commandment" ([[2 Peter 2:21]]) carries severe spiritual consequences.
4. **Accountability:** Receiving a παραγγελία implies a corresponding expectation of obedience and fulfillment. Believers and leaders are held accountable for their response to these authoritative directives.
Thus, παραγγελία conveys a sense of divine imperative, a non-negotiable instruction that shapes Christian belief, behavior, and ministry, demanding reverent submission and diligent application.
### Summary
The Greek word παραγγελία (parangelía - `{{G3852}}`) denotes a specific, authoritative command, charge, or mandate. Derived from the verb παραγγέλλω (parangellō - `{{G3853}}`), it represents the content of an instruction that carries significant weight and demands obedience. In the New Testament, its usage ranges from human legal injunctions, as seen in the book of Acts, to profound divine or apostolic directives concerning Christian life, doctrine, and ministry, particularly in 1 Timothy and 2 Peter. Theologically, παραγγελία underscores the binding nature and divine authority of God's instructions to believers and leaders. It emphasizes the seriousness of the Christian calling, the imperative of faithful adherence to revealed truth, and the accountability inherent in receiving such a sacred charge. It is not a mere suggestion but a solemn, authoritative command from God.
TRV