### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, `{{G3853}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (pará), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the root of ἄγγελος (ángelos, `{{G32}}`), meaning "messenger" or "one who announces." This etymology immediately suggests the core meaning: to transmit a message. However, the nuance is not merely to convey information, but to deliver it with authority, implying a directive or an instruction that is to be followed.
Thus, the primary semantic range of παραγγέλλω extends beyond simple declaration to encompass the act of "enjoining," "commanding," "charging," or "giving an order." It denotes an authoritative communication, often from a superior to a subordinate, or from one in a position of recognized authority to those under their influence. The message transmitted carries the weight of an imperative, demanding obedience or adherence. English translations frequently capture this by rendering it as "command," "give charge," "order," or "instruct."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παραγγέλλω appears consistently throughout the New Testament, highlighting its importance in conveying authoritative directives. Its usage can be broadly categorized:
* **Commands of Jesus:** In the Gospels, Jesus frequently uses παραγγέλλω to issue direct commands to His disciples or to those He heals. For instance, He "commanded" the twelve apostles regarding their mission, instructing them what to take and what not to take ([[Matthew 10:5]], [[Mark 6:8]]). He also "charged" the cleansed leper to show himself to the priest and offer the prescribed sacrifice ([[Luke 5:14]]), and "commanded" the unclean spirit to come out of the man ([[Luke 8:29]]). These instances underscore Jesus's inherent divine authority.
* **Apostolic Directives:** In the book of Acts, παραγγέλλω often describes the authoritative instructions given by the apostles or other figures. Before His ascension, Jesus "commanded" the apostles not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father ([[Acts 1:4]]). The Sanhedrin "commanded" Peter and John not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus ([[Acts 4:18]], [[Acts 5:28]]), illustrating a hostile, yet authoritative, order. Paul, too, "commanded" the spirit of divination to come out of the slave girl ([[Acts 16:18]]), and the magistrates "commanded" the jailer to keep them safely ([[Acts 16:23]]).
* **Divine Imperatives:** A particularly significant use is found in [[Acts 17:30]], where Paul declares that God "commands" all people everywhere to repent. This is a profound theological statement, indicating that repentance is not merely an invitation or a suggestion, but a divine imperative with universal application.
* **Pauline Pastoral Instructions:** Paul frequently employs παραγγέλλω in his epistles, especially the pastoral epistles, to convey strong instructions and charges to the churches and individual leaders like Timothy. He "commands" the Thessalonians to live quietly, mind their own business, and work with their hands ([[1 Thessalonians 4:11]]). He issues a stern "command" in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from any brother who is idle ([[2 Thessalonians 3:6]]), and reminds them of the "command" given while he was with them: "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" ([[2 Thessalonians 3:10]]). To Timothy, Paul "commanded" him to remain in Ephesus to charge certain people not to teach false doctrines ([[1 Timothy 1:3]]). He further instructs Timothy to "command" and teach these things ([[1 Timothy 4:11]]), and to "charge" the rich not to be haughty or to set their hope on uncertain riches ([[1 Timothy 6:17]]). These uses highlight the authoritative nature of apostolic teaching and the responsibility of church leaders to uphold sound doctrine and godly conduct.
Across these contexts, the common thread is the issuance of a directive that carries weight, demanding compliance due to the authority of the one giving the command.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of παραγγέλλω intersects with several other Greek terms related to communication, authority, and instruction:
* **ἄγγελος (ángelos, `{{G32}}`):** The root word itself, meaning "messenger" or "angel," underscores the nature of παραγγέλλω as a message delivered, often by an authoritative agent.
* **ἀγγελία (angelía, `{{G31}}`):** The noun form, meaning "message" or "report," highlights the content being transmitted.
* **ἐντολή (entolē, `{{G1785}}`):** This noun refers to a "commandment" or "injunction," often a specific divine law or precept (e.g., the Ten Commandments). While παραγγέλλω is the *act* of commanding, ἐντολή is the *result* or the specific content of the command. The two are closely related, with παραγγέλλω often issuing an ἐντολή.
* **κελεύω (keleúō, `{{G2753}}`):** Meaning "to command" or "to order," this verb is often used for official, military, or civil commands, similar to παραγγέλλω but perhaps with a broader range of contexts not always tied to a "message."
* **ἐπιτάσσω (epitássō, `{{G2004}}`):** Also meaning "to command" or "to order," this verb strongly emphasizes the authority of the one giving the command, often implying a superior's power over a subordinate. It often carries a sense of imposing a task or duty.
* **διδάσκω (didáskō, `{{G1321}}`):** Meaning "to teach," this verb describes the imparting of knowledge or instruction. While distinct, authoritative commands (παραγγέλλω) are often part of comprehensive teaching (διδάσκω), especially in a pastoral context.
* **νουθετέω (nouthetéō, `{{G3560}}`):** Meaning "to admonish" or "to warn," this term implies correction and instruction, but typically with a less stringent or formal authority than παραγγέλλω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παραγγέλλω is profound, touching upon divine authority, the nature of obedience, and the responsibilities of Christian leadership.
1. **Divine and Christological Authority:** When God or Jesus Christ uses παραγγέλλω, it underscores their supreme and unquestionable authority. Their commands are not mere suggestions but binding decrees that demand absolute obedience. The divine imperative to repent ([[Acts 17:30]]) is a prime example, revealing God's sovereign will for humanity.
2. **Apostolic Authority and Delegation:** The apostles, as Christ's chosen emissaries, are empowered to issue commands in His name. This highlights the concept of delegated authority within the early church, where the apostles' instructions carried the weight of Christ's own directives. This authority was crucial for establishing church order, correcting error, and guiding believers in sound doctrine and practice.
3. **Ethical Imperative and Christian Living:** Many instances of παραγγέλλω relate directly to ethical conduct and practical Christian living. Commands to work, to live quietly, to avoid idleness, and to share with the needy are not optional but are presented as obligations. This demonstrates that Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires active, obedient living in accordance with divine and apostolic directives.
4. **Pastoral Responsibility:** For leaders like Timothy, the frequent use of παραγγέλλω underscores the weighty responsibility of pastoral ministry. It is not enough to simply teach; leaders are charged with actively "commanding" and "charging" their congregations to uphold sound doctrine, to live righteously, and to fulfill their duties within the community of faith. This involves both teaching and enforcing the truth of God's Word.
### Summary
The Greek verb παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, `{{G3853}}`) signifies the authoritative transmission of a message, translating primarily as "to command," "to enjoin," or "to charge." Its etymological roots in "alongside" and "messenger" imply a directive delivered with the weight of the sender's authority. Throughout the New Testament, παραγγέλλω is employed to convey the binding commands of Jesus, the authoritative instructions of the apostles, and the divine imperatives of God Himself, such as the universal call to repentance ([[Acts 17:30]]). In the Pauline epistles, it frequently highlights the ethical obligations of believers and the solemn responsibility of church leaders to uphold and enforce sound doctrine and godly conduct. This word underscores that biblical truth is not merely informative but prescriptive, demanding obedience and shaping Christian life under the sovereign authority of God.
TRV