παραιτέομαι

paraitéomai /par-ahee-teh'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom παρά and the middle voice of αἰτέω
Meaningto beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun
KJV usageavoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word paraitéomai, represented by G3868, means to beg off, deprecate, decline, shun, avoid, excuse, intreat, refuse, or reject. It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The word conveys the idea of actively pushing something away, whether it be an invitation, a false teaching, or a divine command.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3868 is used in several distinct contexts. It appears in Luke's gospel when guests make excuse to avoid attending a great supper, citing worldly obligations Luke 14:18. In a more serious context, the pastoral epistles command believers to refuse profane fables 1 Timothy 4:7, avoid foolish questions that lead to conflict 2 Timothy 2:23, and reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition Titus 3:10. The book of Hebrews uses it with ultimate gravity, warning the reader not to refuse God who speaks from heaven, reminding them of the Israelites who intreated that God's voice speak no more to them at Sinai (Hebrews 12:25, Hebrews 12:19).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and implications of choosing to refuse or avoid something:

  • G1080 gennáō (to procreate, beget, be born): This word is linked to G3868 in a warning to avoid foolish questions, because they gender or give birth to strifes 2 Timothy 2:23.
  • G1128 gymnázō (to train, exercise): In contrast to refusing profane ideas, believers are told to exercise themselves toward godliness, showing a positive discipline that replaces a negative one 1 Timothy 4:7.
  • G3559 nouthesía (admonition, mild rebuke or warning): The act of rejecting a person is directly tied to this word, as it is only to occur after a first and second admonition has been given and ignored Titus 3:10.

Theological Significance

The use of G3868 carries significant theological weight, highlighting critical moments of decision.

  • Excuses and Priorities: The word demonstrates how worldly concerns can be used to make excuse and refuse a divine invitation, revealing a person's true priorities (Luke 14:18, Luke 14:19).
  • Doctrinal Discernment: Believers are actively called to refuse and avoid teachings and behaviors that are ungodly, such as profane fables, foolish questions, and even younger widows who may wax wanton against Christ (1 Timothy 4:7, 2 Timothy 2:23, 1 Timothy 5:11).
  • The Gravity of Rejection: The most serious use of the word warns against refusing the voice of God. To do so is a far greater offense than when the Israelites refused Him on earth, and it carries the consequence of not escaping judgment Hebrews 12:25.

Summary

In summary, G3868 is a powerful verb that signifies a deliberate choice to decline, shun, or reject. It spans from making social excuses to the profoundly serious act of turning away from God's revelation. The word serves as a reminder that what a person chooses to avoid or refuse is a critical indicator of their spiritual state and ultimate allegiance.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 12 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Singular 4×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Infinitive 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Luke (2 verses).

2
Luke
1
Acts
2
1 Timothy
1
2 Timothy
1
Titus
2
Hebrews

Verse Explorer

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