### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parazēlóō**, represented by `{{G3863}}`, means to stimulate alongside or to excite to rivalry. It appears **7 times** across **4 unique verses**. The term is used to describe the act of provoking someone to jealousy or emulation, often as a strategic means to an end.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{G3863}}` is used exclusively by the Apostle Paul to describe a dynamic between God, Israel, and the Gentiles. Quoting Moses, Paul explains God's plan: "I will **provoke** you **to jealousy** by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you" [[Romans 10:19]]. This theme continues in Romans 11, where the salvation of the Gentiles is presented as a means to **provoke** Israel **to jealousy** [[Romans 11:11]]. Paul applies this concept to his own ministry, hoping to **provoke to emulation** his own people to save some of them [[Romans 11:14]]. The term is also used as a warning against challenging God, asking, "Do we **provoke** the Lord **to jealousy**?" [[1 Corinthians 10:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of `{{G3863}}`:
* `{{G3949}}` **parorgízō** (to anger alongside, i.e. enrage): This word appears directly with `{{G3863}}` in [[Romans 10:19]], showing that provoking to jealousy is closely linked to provoking to anger. It is also used in the command for fathers not to **provoke** their children **to wrath** [[Ephesians 6:4]].
* `{{G801}}` **asýnetos** (unintelligent; by implication, wicked): This describes the "foolish" nation that God uses to provoke Israel in [[Romans 10:19]]. The term implies a lack of spiritual understanding.
* `{{G2228}}` **ḗ** (disjunctive, or; comparative, than): This particle is used to frame the rhetorical question in [[1 Corinthians 10:22]], where a choice is presented: "**Do we provoke** the Lord to jealousy?".
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3863}}` is significant, revealing a specific aspect of God's redemptive plan.
* **A Tool for Salvation:** The primary use of the word in Romans shows God employing the inclusion of the Gentiles as a strategy to **provoke** Israel to jealousy, not for their destruction, but with the hope of stirring them toward salvation ([[Romans 11:11]], [[Romans 11:14]]).
* **A Warning Against Pride:** The question in [[1 Corinthians 10:22]] serves as a stark warning. To **provoke** the Lord **to jealousy** is presented as a foolish and dangerous act, questioning if humans are stronger than God.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The concept demonstrates God working through the fall of Israel to bring salvation to the Gentiles, which in turn is meant to act as the catalyst for Israel's eventual restoration.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3863}}` is a powerful word that encapsulates a complex theological dynamic. It is not simply about negative jealousy, but can be a divinely appointed stimulus for emulation and salvation. It illustrates how God can use the relationships between different groups of people—in this case, Israel and the Gentiles—to orchestrate His sovereign and redemptive purposes.