The Greek word paradídōmi, represented by G3860, is a multifaceted verb meaning to surrender, yield up, intrust, or transmit. It appears 135 times across 118 unique verses, indicating a wide range of applications. Its meaning shifts significantly with context, encompassing actions such as to betray, deliver up, commit, put in prison, and recommend.
The prefix παρά (para-) in paradídōmi adds significant depth to the root δίδωμι (dídōmi, to give). While dídōmi denotes a simple act of giving or bestowing, paradídōmi often implies a transfer from one entity to another, a consignment, or a handing over, frequently with the nuance of being alongside or beyond the initial possessor's control. This directional aspect distinguishes it from a mere bestowal, emphasizing a change of custody, ownership, or responsibility, whether voluntary or involuntary.
The verb can denote a complete relinquishment, as when Christ "gave up the ghost" John 19:30, signifying a final surrender of life itself. This ultimate act of yielding illustrates the profound capacity of G3860 to convey not just a transfer of an object or person, but a complete cessation of personal control or existence in a particular state, marking a definitive end or transition.
In the biblical narrative, G3860 is used in several distinct ways. It famously describes betrayal, most notably the act of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Matthew 10:4. The term is also used in a legal sense, for delivering a person to authorities, as when Jesus was delivered to Pontius Pilate the governor Matthew 27:2. The disciples were warned that they too would be delivered up to councils Matthew 10:17. Theologically, it is used to describe God's judgment, where He gave people over to a reprobate mind Romans 1:28 or gave them up to uncleanness Romans 1:24. In a positive sense, it refers to the transmission of sacred teaching, such as the faith that was once delivered unto the saints Jude 1:3.
Beyond the well-known betrayal and legal deliveries, G3860 is employed in contexts of ecclesiastical discipline, where individuals are "delivered unto Satan" for corrective purposes. This severe act is not for ultimate destruction but for the spiritual preservation of the individual, as seen with the incestuous man in Corinth 1 Corinthians 5:5 and with Hymenaeus and Alexander, "that they may learn not to blaspheme" 1 Timothy 1:20. This usage highlights a disciplinary "handing over" intended to bring about repentance and spiritual restoration through a period of suffering.
The concept of entrusting or committing is also evident in the administration of resources and responsibilities. Jesus uses G3860 in the parable of the talents, where a man "delivered unto them his goods" to his servants, expecting them to manage and multiply what was committed to their care Matthew 25:14. This illustrates a positive form of paradídōmi, emphasizing stewardship and the delegation of authority and trust. Similarly, Jesus himself "committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" in his suffering 1 Peter 2:23, demonstrating a profound act of trust and surrender to God's just will.
Several related words help clarify the full scope of G3860:
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): As the root of paradídōmi, this word signifies the foundational act of giving. It is used broadly for granting or bestowing, as when Pilate noted his power over Jesus was given to him from above John 19:11.
- G3862 parádosis (tradition): This noun is derived directly from G3860 and refers to that which is transmitted or delivered, such as the ordinances Paul delivered to the Corinthian church 1 Corinthians 11:2.
- G630 apolýō (to release): This term provides a direct contrast to being delivered into custody. Pilate was determined to let Jesus go, but the people instead had him delivered up Acts 3:13.
- G3880 paralambánō (to receive): This verb acts as a direct counterpart to G3860, signifying the act of taking or receiving what has been delivered. While paradídōmi describes the action of the giver, paralambánō describes the action of the receiver, completing the transfer of custody or information.
- G3908 paratíthēmi (to commit): Similar in its nuance of entrusting, paratíthēmi specifically means to place beside or deposit, often implying a trust or charge. While paradídōmi can mean to hand over broadly, paratíthēmi emphasizes the careful commitment of something valuable into another's care for safekeeping or administration.
The theological weight of G3860 is profound, illustrating core tenets of the Christian faith.
- The Atoning Surrender: The word is central to the doctrine of atonement. Christ gave himself for the church Ephesians 5:25, and the Son of God loved us and gave himself for us Galatians 2:20. This act of surrender is also attributed to the Father, who delivered His own Son up for us all Romans 8:32.
- Divine Judgment: God's sovereignty is expressed when He gave those who dishonor Him over to their sins Romans 1:28. This demonstrates a form of divine judgment where individuals are surrendered to the consequences of their own rebellion.
- Apostolic Stewardship: The integrity of the gospel message is preserved through its faithful transmission. Paul delivered to the believers what he also received: that Christ died for our sins 1 Corinthians 15:3. This establishes a chain of authoritative teaching.
- Christ's Delegated Authority: G3860 underscores the absolute authority of Christ, which is "delivered" to him by the Father. Jesus states, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" Matthew 11:27, and "All things are delivered to me of my Father" Luke 10:22. This signifies the Father's sovereign act of bestowing universal dominion and knowledge upon the Son, foundational to Christ's mediatorial role and redemptive work.
- Eschatological Transfer of Kingdom: The verb also speaks to the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan. Paul describes how Christ, at the end, "shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power" 1 Corinthians 15:24. This highlights the temporary nature of Christ's mediatorial reign and its ultimate purpose: to restore all things to the Father's direct sovereignty, a final and complete surrender of authority.
G3860 paradídōmi is a verb of profound and diverse application in the New Testament, fundamentally denoting the act of handing something or someone over. This transfer can be for nefarious purposes, such as the infamous betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, leading to his legal delivery to earthly authorities for condemnation and crucifixion. It also extends to the persecution of believers, who are delivered up to councils and prisons for their faith, illustrating the hostile opposition faced by the early church. The prefix para- adds a crucial nuance of transfer or consignment, distinguishing it from a simple giving and often implying a shift in custody or control.
However, the semantic range of G3860 is not limited to negative or coercive transfers. It also describes acts of divine judgment, where God "gives over" individuals to the consequences of their sin, such as a reprobate mind or uncleanness, as well as the judicial delivery of sinful angels to chains of darkness. Conversely, it is central to the faithful transmission of sacred truth, where the apostolic message and "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" are passed down through generations. In a disciplinary context, it represents a severe but redemptive "handing over to Satan" for the restoration of the spirit, as well as the ultimate surrender of life itself, as seen in Christ's death.
The theological weight of G3860 is immense, painting a comprehensive picture of divine action and human response. It encapsulates the Father's ultimate act of love in "delivering up His own Son for us all," and Christ's willing "giving himself for us" as an atoning sacrifice. This self-surrender is mirrored in Jesus' commitment of himself to God's righteous judgment. Furthermore, the word illuminates Christ's supreme authority, "delivered" to him by the Father, and his eschatological role in "delivering up the kingdom" back to God, signifying the ultimate fulfillment of redemptive history. It also highlights the responsibility of stewardship, where goods and tasks are entrusted to servants.
Thus, G3860 stands as a pivotal term, illustrating a spectrum of actions from treacherous abandonment and legal consignment to loving self-sacrifice and faithful stewardship. It encompasses the handing over of lives, teachings, authority, and even the future kingdom, making it indispensable for understanding the intricate tapestry of New Testament theology and narrative.
TRV