### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term παραθεωρέω (paratheōréō, `{{G3865}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the verb θεωρέω (theōreō, `{{G2334}}`), meaning "to look at, observe, behold." Literally, the compound could suggest "to look beside" or "to look past." This literal sense naturally extends to the figurative meaning of "to overlook," "to disregard," or "to neglect." The nuance is not merely a lack of attention, but specifically a failure to observe or attend to something that *should* have been seen or cared for, implying an omission of duty or care.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word παραθεωρέω (paratheōréō, `{{G3865}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 6:1]]**: "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were **neglected** in the daily ministration."
In this sole occurrence, the verb is used in the passive voice (παρεθεωροῦντο, *paretheōrounto*), indicating that the Hellenistic (Grecian) widows *were being overlooked* or *were being neglected*. The context is critical: as the early Christian community in Jerusalem grew, a practical problem emerged concerning the equitable distribution of resources, specifically food or aid, in the "daily ministration" (διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ, *diakonia tē kathēmerinē*). The Hellenistic Jews perceived that their widows were not receiving the same attention or share as the Hebrew widows. This neglect caused "murmuring" (γογγυσμός, *gongysmos*), a serious threat to the unity and harmony of the nascent church. The apostles, recognizing the gravity of this neglect, responded by initiating the appointment of seven men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (who would become the first deacons) to oversee this practical service, ensuring that such oversight did not recur. This highlights that "neglect" here was not a minor administrative hiccup but a significant issue impacting justice, equity, and the very fabric of the Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **θεωρέω (theōreō, `{{G2334}}`):** As the root, it signifies "to gaze upon, contemplate, observe." παραθεωρέω implies a failure in this observation, a looking *past* rather than *at*.
* **παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`):** The prefix, which in this compound conveys the sense of "beside" or "by," leading to the idea of passing by or overlooking.
* **ἀμελέω (ameleō, `{{G272}}`):** Meaning "to be careless of, neglect, disregard." While similar, παραθεωρέω carries the specific nuance of "overlooking" in the sense of failing to see or attend to something that was present and should have been noticed.
* **διακονία (diakonia, `{{G1248}}`):** "Service, ministry." The context of παραθεωρέω in [[Acts 6:1]] is the failure in the "daily ministration," emphasizing that the neglect was a breakdown in practical service.
* **γόγγυσμος (gongysmos, `{{G1112}}`):** "Murmuring, grumbling." This word describes the consequence of the neglect, underscoring the social and spiritual disruption caused by the oversight.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of παραθεωρέω (paratheōréō, `{{G3865}}`) in [[Acts 6:1]] carries profound theological weight for the early church and for Christian ministry today.
1. **Justice and Equity in the Community:** The neglect of the Hellenistic widows was a failure in the practical application of Christian love and justice. It underscored the early church's commitment to ensuring that all members, regardless of their background, received equitable care. The incident serves as a foundational text for understanding the church's responsibility to care for the vulnerable and to prevent any form of discrimination or oversight in its service.
2. **Pastoral Oversight and Administration:** The apostles' response to the neglect—appointing deacons—demonstrates the critical importance of effective and just administration within the church. It highlights that spiritual leadership must also attend to practical needs, ensuring that no one is overlooked. This event is often cited as the origin of the diaconate, a ministry dedicated to practical service and ensuring the well-being of the community.
3. **Unity and Harmony:** The "murmuring" caused by the neglect threatened the unity of the burgeoning Christian community. Addressing this practical failure was essential for maintaining peace and preventing schism along ethnic or social lines. It illustrates that practical failures in love and service can have significant spiritual and communal repercussions.
4. **God's Concern for the Vulnerable:** The New Testament, echoing the Old Testament, consistently emphasizes God's special care for the marginalized, including widows, orphans, and the poor (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:18]]; [[James 1:27]]). The church, as God's redeemed people, is called to embody this divine concern, actively working to prevent any form of neglect among its members and in the wider world.
### Summary
The Greek term παραθεωρέω (paratheōréō, `{{G3865}}`) signifies "to overlook" or "to neglect," arising from the literal sense of "looking beside" or "passing over." Its solitary yet highly significant appearance in the New Testament, at [[Acts 6:1]], describes the critical situation where Hellenistic widows in the early Jerusalem church were "neglected" in the daily distribution of provisions. This oversight, though perhaps unintentional, led to murmuring and threatened the community's unity. The apostles' decisive action to address this neglect by instituting the diaconate underscores the paramount importance of justice, equity, and diligent care within the Christian community. The word παραθεωρέω thus serves as a potent reminder that authentic Christian ministry demands meticulous attention to the practical needs of all, especially the vulnerable, ensuring that no one is overlooked or disregarded in the outworking of God's love.
TRV