### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, `{{G3854}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (pará), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the verb γίνομαι (gínomai, `{{G1096}}`), meaning "to become," "to come into being," or "to happen." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to become alongside" or "to come into being near."
Its core meaning denotes the act of arriving at a particular place, resulting in a state of presence. The semantic range extends to:
1. **Arrival:** To come, to arrive, to reach a destination. This is the most common usage, emphasizing the completion of a journey or movement.
2. **Presence:** To be present, to be at hand. This highlights the state of being in a location after arriving.
3. **Appearance:** By implication, to appear publicly, especially in an official or notable capacity. This nuances the arrival, suggesting it is observable and significant.
Unlike the more general "to come" (ἔρχομαι `{{G2064}}`), παραγίνομαι often carries a stronger sense of having arrived and being *present* at a specific point for a specific purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
παραγίνομαι appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, describing the arrival or presence of individuals and, less commonly, events.
In the Gospels, it often describes the arrival of key figures:
* **John the Baptist:** His παραγίνομαι (arrival/appearance) is consistently highlighted, underscoring his role as the forerunner. For instance, in [[Matthew 3:1]], "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea," the verb signifies his public emergence to fulfill his prophetic ministry. Similarly, [[Mark 1:9]] states, "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan," using παραγίνομαι for Jesus' arrival at the baptismal site.
* **Jesus Christ:** The verb frequently describes Jesus' arrivals in various towns, synagogues, or the Temple, often preceding significant teachings, healings, or confrontations. Examples include His arrival in His hometown in [[Matthew 13:54]], or His presence in the temple in [[Matthew 21:23]]. These instances emphasize His deliberate, purposeful movement and His tangible presence among the people.
* **Disciples and Others:** It is used for the arrival of various individuals, such as the Magi ([[Matthew 2:1]]), the high priest and his company ([[Acts 5:21]]), or the disciples ([[Matthew 26:69]]).
In the book of Acts, παραγίνομαι is prominent in depicting the missionary journeys of the apostles, especially Paul. It emphasizes the active, physical presence of the Gospel messengers in new locations:
* **Paul's Arrivals:** When Paul παραγίνομαι in a city, it signals the commencement of evangelistic work or a significant meeting. Examples include Paul's arrival in Jerusalem after his conversion ([[Acts 9:26]]), his arrival in Antioch of Pisidia ([[Acts 13:14]]), or his presence in Miletus to meet the Ephesian elders ([[Acts 20:18]]). These occurrences underscore the dynamic spread of the early Christian movement.
* **Official Appearances:** The word is also used for the arrival of officials or accusers in judicial settings, such as Tertullus and the Jews arriving to accuse Paul before Felix ([[Acts 24:17]]) or the chief priests arriving before Festus ([[Acts 25:7]]). This highlights the public and formal nature of such appearances.
Less frequently, παραγίνομαι can refer to the coming of events or times, though the focus remains on their "arrival" or "being present."
### Related Words & Concepts
παραγίνομαι shares semantic space with several other Greek terms related to movement and presence, yet it retains its distinct nuance:
* ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`): The most general verb for "to come" or "to go." While παραγίνομαι implies arrival and presence, ἔρχομαι can describe any movement towards a place, without necessarily emphasizing the state of being there. One might ἔρχομαι to a place, but παραγίνομαι signifies that one has successfully arrived and is now present.
* προσεγγίζω (prosengizō, `{{G4331}}`): "To draw near" or "to approach." This word emphasizes the movement *towards* a destination, whereas παραγίνομαι emphasizes the *completion* of that movement.
* ἀφικνέομαι (aphikneomai, `{{G658}}`): "To arrive" or "to reach." This term is a close synonym, though less common in the New Testament than παραγίνομαι.
* **Antonyms:** Verbs of departure, such as ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai, `{{G565}}`, "to go away") or ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai, `{{G1831}}`, "to go out"), stand in contrast to παραγίνομαι.
Conceptually, παραγίνομαι is closely tied to:
* **Presence (παρουσία, parousia `{{G3952}}`):** While παρουσία denotes the state of being present or a "coming" as an event (especially Christ's Second Coming), παραγίνομαι is the verbal action of achieving that presence.
* **Ministry and Mission:** The frequent use of παραγίνομαι in Acts underscores the active, incarnational nature of Christian ministry, requiring physical presence and engagement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παραγίνομαι lies in its emphasis on the tangible, purposeful arrival and presence of God's agents and, by extension, God's active involvement in human history.
1. **Divine Initiative and Incarnation:** The repeated use of παραγίνομαι for John the Baptist and especially Jesus highlights God's initiative in sending His Son into the world. Jesus' παραγίνομαι in various locations underscores the reality of the Incarnation – God was truly present in human flesh, walking among us, teaching, healing, and redeeming. His physical presence was essential for the fulfillment of prophecy and the inauguration of the Kingdom.
2. **Authority and Witness:** When figures like John the Baptist or Jesus παραγίνομαι, their arrival often carries an inherent authority. John's public appearance marked the beginning of a new phase of prophetic revelation, preparing the way for the Messiah. Jesus' presence in the Temple or synagogues demonstrated His authority to teach and act. The "public appearance" aspect of παραγίνομαι signifies a deliberate, observable manifestation of divine purpose.
3. **The Spread of the Gospel:** In Acts, the frequent use of παραγίνομαι for the apostles' journeys vividly portrays the dynamic, outward movement of the early church. It emphasizes that the Gospel is not static but requires active proclamation and the physical presence of messengers. The "coming" of the apostles to a new region signifies the bringing of the Kingdom message to new peoples.
4. **Certainty of Divine Action:** Whether describing a past event (Jesus' earthly ministry) or a future expectation (the "coming" of the Son of Man in a broader sense), παραγίνομαι reinforces the certainty of God's intervention and fulfillment of His plans. It speaks to the reliability of God's promises to be present with His people and to accomplish His purposes.
### Summary
παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, `{{G3854}}`) is a Greek verb signifying a purposeful arrival that results in a state of presence or public appearance. It is distinct from the general "to come" (ἔρχομαι `{{G2064}}`) by emphasizing the completion of the journey and the subsequent presence at a location. In the New Testament, its frequent use highlights the deliberate and significant arrivals of key figures like John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, underscoring God's active initiative in salvation history and the tangible reality of the Incarnation. In Acts, it powerfully depicts the dynamic spread of the Gospel through the physical presence and ministry of the apostles. Theologically, παραγίνομαι underscores divine authority, the necessity of personal presence in ministry, and the certainty of God's active involvement in His creation.
TRV