### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παραινέω (parainéō - `{{G3867}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "contrary to," and the verb αἰνέω (aineō - `{{G134}}`), meaning "to praise" or "to commend." The base definition provided, "to mispraise," is intriguing and points to a nuanced semantic range. It does not mean to praise incorrectly, but rather to offer counsel that might run "contrary to" or "alongside" a prevailing opinion or course of action, often with a corrective or preventative aim.
Therefore, the core meaning of παραινέω is to advise, admonish, or exhort, particularly in the sense of recommending a different, often wiser or safer, course of action. It carries the connotation of a persuasive appeal, a warning, or a strong suggestion, rather than a direct command. It implies a gentle but firm instruction given out of concern or foresight, urging a change from a potentially perilous or less optimal path.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
παραινέω (parainéō - `{{G3867}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in the book of Acts, specifically within the narrative of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome.
1. **[[Acts 27:9]]**: "When much time had been spent, and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul *admonished* them (παραινέω), saying, 'Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.'" Here, Paul, speaking from divine insight and perhaps practical experience, offers a clear warning or advice against continuing the journey. His *parainéō* is a serious caution, urging a different course due to impending danger. It is an act of prophetic foresight and care for the lives of those on board.
2. **[[Acts 27:12]]**: "Because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority *advised* (παραινέω) to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and winter there." In this instance, the centurion and the master of the ship, along with the majority, offer their counsel or recommendation regarding the best place to winter. This usage is less about a warning of danger and more about a practical recommendation for an alternative, more suitable course of action. It highlights the deliberative nature of the word, where different options are weighed and counsel is given.
In both contexts, the word signifies offering counsel or advice, often in a situation requiring a critical decision, and frequently with the implication of recommending a change from the current plan or a perceived dangerous course.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate παραινέω (parainéō - `{{G3867}}`), it is helpful to compare it with other Greek words related to advising, teaching, or warning:
* αἰνέω (aineō - `{{G134}}`): The root verb, meaning "to praise" or "to commend." While παραινέω shares this root, its meaning is distinct, focusing on counsel rather than praise. The "para" prefix fundamentally alters the meaning.
* νουθετέω (noutheteō - `{{G3560}}`): To admonish, warn, or instruct. This word often implies putting sense into someone's head, a more direct and sometimes corrective form of instruction. While παραινέω can be a warning, νουθετέω typically carries a stronger sense of reproof or correction.
* συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō - `{{G4823}}`): To counsel, advise, or consult. This is a more general term for giving advice, without necessarily the strong implication of warning or recommending a *different* course that παραινέω often carries.
* διδάσκω (didaskō - `{{G1321}}`): To teach or instruct. This term refers to formal or systematic instruction, broader than the specific counsel implied by παραινέω.
* παρακαλέω (parakaleō - `{{G3870}}`): To call alongside, exhort, comfort, or appeal. This word shares the "para" prefix and can overlap with παραινέω in its sense of exhortation or appeal. However, παρακαλέω often emphasizes encouragement or comfort, while παραινέω focuses more on giving specific advice or warning about a course of action.
The concept of παραινέω is deeply intertwined with prudence, wisdom, foresight, and the responsible act of offering guidance, especially when danger or error is perceived.
### Theological Significance
Though παραινέω (parainéō - `{{G3867}}`) is rare in the New Testament, its specific use in Acts 27 carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Wisdom and Human Prudence:** Paul's *parainéō* in [[Acts 27:9]] is not merely human opinion but counsel informed by divine insight. It underscores the importance of heeding God's guidance, often delivered through His chosen servants, even when it contradicts conventional wisdom, majority opinion, or self-interest. The subsequent shipwreck, as predicted by Paul, serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of disregarding such divinely-informed counsel.
2. **The Role of Spiritual Leadership:** The apostle Paul, as a spiritual leader, demonstrates a pastoral concern for the lives of those around him. His act of παραινέω is an expression of his responsibility to warn and guide, even when his words are unpopular or unheeded. This highlights the prophetic and advisory role of those entrusted with spiritual authority.
3. **Consequences of Disobedience/Disregard:** The narrative in Acts 27 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that disregarding wise and divinely-inspired counsel can lead to severe consequences. The ship and cargo are lost, and lives are imperiled, precisely because Paul's admonition was rejected in favor of the majority's practical, yet ultimately flawed, advice. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to cultivate discernment and humility in receiving counsel.
4. **Care and Concern:** Implicit in the act of παραινέω is a genuine care for the well-being of others. One admonishes or advises because one desires a positive outcome and seeks to prevent harm. This reflects a Christ-like concern for others, urging them towards paths of safety and blessing.
### Summary
παραινέω (parainéō - `{{G3867}}`) is a Greek verb that signifies to advise, admonish, or exhort, often with the specific nuance of warning or recommending a different, wiser, or safer course of action. Its etymological roots suggest counsel given "contrary to" or "alongside" a current path. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament (both in Acts 27), its usage is highly illustrative. In [[Acts 27:9]], Paul's *parainéō* is a divinely-informed warning against danger, while in [[Acts 27:12]], it describes the practical advice of the ship's crew. The word underscores the importance of prudent counsel, especially when rooted in spiritual insight, and highlights the potential consequences of disregarding such guidance. Theologically, it illuminates the role of spiritual leadership in offering wise admonition, the critical nature of discerning counsel, and the divine care that seeks to guide humanity away from peril.
TRV