### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παράκειμαι (parákeimai, `{{G3873}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition παρά (pará, `{{G3844}}`), meaning "beside," "near," or "alongside," and the verb κεῖμαι (keimai, `{{G2749}}`), meaning "to lie," "to be laid," or "to be placed." Etymologically, therefore, παράκειμαι conveys the literal sense of "to lie alongside," "to be placed near," or "to be situated in close proximity."
From this literal foundation, the semantic range extends to more figurative meanings. It signifies "to be at hand," "to be present," or "to be readily available." In some contexts, it can imply a sense of readiness or promptness ("to be prompt") or even convenience ("to be easy"). The core idea is one of immediate presence or accessibility, something that is right there, within reach or within one's immediate sphere of influence or experience. It describes a state of being near or a condition of immediate availability, whether physically or figuratively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παράκειμαι (parákeimai, `{{G3873}}`) appears exclusively in the New Testament within Paul's Epistle to the Romans, specifically in chapter 7. Its singular usage in this pivotal chapter underscores its theological weight in Paul's argument concerning the struggle with sin and the Law.
1. **[[Romans 7:18]]**: "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is right, but the ability to carry it out is not present."
Here, Paul states, "τὸ γὰρ θέλειν παράκειταί μοι, τὸ δὲ κατεργάζεσθαι τὸ καλὸν οὔ" (for the willing is present with me, but the working out of the good is not). The word παράκειται (the third person singular form of παράκειμαι) describes the immediate and undeniable presence of "the willing" (τὸ θέλειν) or the desire to do good. Paul acknowledges that the *desire* for righteousness is indeed "at hand" or "present" within him. This is a crucial distinction: the *desire* is present, but the *power* to execute that desire is absent. The word emphasizes the internal reality of this desire, always there, always accessible to his consciousness.
2. **[[Romans 7:21]]**: "So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand."
In this verse, Paul reiterates and expands on the dilemma: "Εὑρίσκω ἄρα τὸν νόμον τῷ θέλοντι ἐμοὶ ποιεῖν τὸ καλὸν ὅτι ἐμοὶ τὸ κακὸν παράκειται" (So I find the law for me, who desires to do good, that evil is present with me). Here, παράκειται is used to describe the constant and unwelcome presence of "evil" (τὸ κακόν). This is a stark contrast to [[Romans 7:18]]. While the desire for good is present, so too is evil, always "lying near" or "at hand." This signifies that evil is not a distant threat but an ever-present reality, an immediate internal opponent to the will that desires to do good. It describes an inescapable proximity of sin to the individual, even when the will is set on righteousness.
In both instances, παράκειμαι highlights an *ever-present reality* within the human experience, particularly in the context of the struggle with sin. It is not something that occasionally appears, but something that "lies near," always available or always present. This constant proximity of both the desire for good and the presence of evil sets the stage for Paul's ultimate resolution in Christ in chapter 8.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of παράκειμαι naturally leads to an exploration of words and concepts related to presence, proximity, and the internal struggle.
* **παρά (pará, `{{G3844}}`)**: The preposition itself is fundamental, conveying the idea of "beside," "near," or "alongside." Its presence in the compound verb underscores the sense of immediate proximity.
* **κεῖμαι (keimai, `{{G2749}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to lie" or "to be laid," contributes the static element of being situated or placed. When combined with παρά, it emphasizes that something is not just near, but *lying* or *positioned* near.
* **πάρειμι (páreimi, `{{G3918}}`)**: Meaning "to be present" or "to be at hand," this verb shares a similar semantic range concerning presence, though παράκειμαι often carries a stronger nuance of something being *stationed* or *lying* close by, rather than simply existing in a place.
* **ἐνεργέω (energeō, `{{G1754}}`)**: "To work, be effective, operate." While not a direct synonym, this verb appears in contexts related to the *power* or *effectiveness* of sin (e.g., [[Romans 7:5]]), contrasting with the mere *presence* (παράκειμαι) of the desire or evil.
* **Indwelling Sin**: The concept articulated by Paul in Romans 7, where sin is described as a power or entity that "dwells" (οἰκοῦσα, oikousa, from οἰκέω `{{G3611}}`) within the believer. παράκειμαι vividly describes the *proximity* and *availability* of this indwelling evil.
* **The Flesh (σάρξ, sarx, `{{G4561}}`)**: Paul often uses "flesh" to describe the human nature apart from the Spirit, prone to sin. The "evil" that παράκειται is closely associated with the fallen nature of the flesh.
* **The Law (νόμος, nomos, `{{G3551}}`)**: In Romans 7, the Law reveals sin and even provokes it, highlighting the inability of the flesh to obey, despite the desire. The *presence* of evil (παράκειμαι) is understood in the context of the Law's demands.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παράκειμαι (parákeimai, `{{G3873}}`) is profound, primarily because of its strategic placement in Romans 7. It serves to articulate a critical aspect of the human condition in the ongoing struggle with sin, particularly for those who genuinely desire to do good.
1. **The Persistence of Sin**: The repeated use of παράκειμαι to describe the presence of "evil" (τὸ κακόν) in [[Romans 7:21]] underscores that sin is not merely an external temptation but an internal, ever-present reality. It "lies near," indicating its constant availability and influence, even for those whose will is aligned with God's Law. This highlights the deep-seated nature of sin in the human heart, a theological truth that necessitates divine intervention.
2. **The Human Predicament**: Paul's use of παράκειμαι vividly portrays the internal conflict of the believer. The desire to do good is present, yet the power to execute it is lacking, and simultaneously, evil is also present. This creates an agonizing tension, demonstrating the inadequacy of human will or the Law alone to achieve righteousness. It sets the stage for the desperate cry in [[Romans 7:24]], "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"
3. **Necessity of Grace and the Spirit**: By emphasizing the constant presence of sin, even in the desiring will, παράκειμαι implicitly points to the indispensable need for God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. The resolution to this internal dilemma, as presented in Romans 8, is found not in human effort to overcome the ever-present evil, but in the life-giving Spirit who sets one free from the law of sin and death. The "presence" of evil serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious work of Christ and the Spirit shines even brighter.
4. **A Realistic Anthropology**: Paul's use of παράκειμαι offers a realistic and sober assessment of the human condition post-Fall. It acknowledges that even after conversion, the struggle with sin remains. Sin's "presence" is a constant reminder of our dependence on Christ's ongoing work of sanctification.
### Summary
παράκειμαι (parákeimai, `{{G3873}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to lie near," "to be at hand," or "to be present." Formed from παρά (beside) and κεῖμαι (to lie), it conveys a sense of immediate proximity or constant availability. Its two occurrences in the New Testament are both found in [[Romans 7]], where Paul uses it to describe the internal struggle with sin. In [[Romans 7:18]], it highlights the constant "presence" of the desire to do good, while in [[Romans 7:21]], it powerfully depicts the persistent and inescapable "presence" of evil, "lying close at hand" to the one who desires to do right. Theologically, παράκειμαι underscores the deep-seated nature of sin within humanity, even for the regenerate, demonstrating the profound internal conflict and the utter necessity of divine grace and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit for deliverance from this ever-present foe.
TRV