### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paratheōréō**, represented by `{{G3865}}`, means to **overlook** or **disregard**, and is translated as **neglect**. It is a rare term, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, but its single use marks a critical moment in the life of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3865}}` is in [[Acts 6:1]]. In this passage, the church was experiencing rapid growth, and "the number of the **disciples** `{{G3101}}` was multiplied" `{{G4129}}`. This growth led to an internal conflict where a **murmuring** `{{G1112}}` arose from the **Grecians** `{{G1675}}` against the **Hebrews** `{{G1445}}`. The cause of the dispute was the perception that their **widows** `{{G5503}}` were being **neglected** in the **daily** `{{G2522}}` **ministration** `{{G1248}}`. The use of **paratheōréō** here pinpoints a specific failure of oversight in the distribution of resources to a vulnerable part of the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from [[Acts 6:1]] help frame the significance of this neglect:
* `{{G1112}}` **gongysmós** (a grumbling): This was the direct result of the neglect, signifying the discontent and division that arose within the church. The word is used elsewhere as a warning to "Do all things without **murmurings**" [[Philippians 2:14]].
* `{{G1248}}` **diakonía** (ministration): This identifies the formal service or relief effort where the neglect occurred. It points to an organized system of care that was failing a portion of the community. This term is also used for the "ministry of reconciliation" [[2 Corinthians 5:18]].
* `{{G5503}}` **chḗra** (widow): This specifies the group being overlooked. The care of **widows** is presented as a core component of "pure religion" [[James 1:27]], making their neglect a serious spiritual matter.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3865}}` is demonstrated in its singular context.
* **Threat to Unity:** The act of neglecting one group caused a **murmuring** `{{G1112}}` that pitted **Grecians** `{{G1675}}` against **Hebrews** `{{G1445}}`. This shows how overlooking members of the community can directly lead to disunity and internal strife [[Acts 6:1]].
* **Justice in Ministration:** The neglect occurred within the **daily ministration** `{{G1248}}`, a formal act of service. This highlights the church's responsibility to administer care and resources justly and without partiality to all its members, especially the vulnerable.
* **Challenges of Growth:** The problem arose precisely "when the number of the **disciples** `{{G3101}}` was multiplied" `{{G4129}}`. The incident serves as a scriptural example of how church growth necessitates increased intentionality and structure to ensure no one is overlooked.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G3865}}` appears only once, its meaning—to **neglect** or **overlook**—is central to the narrative of [[Acts 6:1]]. It captures a moment of crisis in the early church that was triggered by a failure in the practical care for its most vulnerable members, the **widows** `{{G5503}}`. The word serves as a lasting reminder of the importance of equitable care, the dangers of internal division, and the need for just administration within the body of believers.
TRV