The Greek word parákeimai, represented by G3873, means to lie near or be at hand. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of something being prompt, easy, or immediately present.
Both uses of G3873 are found in the book of Romans and describe a deep internal conflict. It is stated that the will G2309 to do what is right is readily present with the speaker Romans 7:18. However, this is immediately contrasted with the discovery of a principle or "law" G3551: when the desire is to do good G2570, evil G2556 is also present Romans 7:21. The word emphasizes the nearness and accessibility of these conflicting forces within a person.
Several related words help clarify the internal struggle described in the context of G3873:
- G2309 thélō: This word means "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse)... i.e. choose or prefer." It describes the will that is present with the speaker, even when the ability to perform the good deed is not found Romans 7:18.
- G2556 kakós: Defined as "worthless (intrinsically, such...)... depraved, or... injurious," this is the evil that is found to be present when one would do good Romans 7:21.
- G2570 kalós: Meaning "beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good... valuable or virtuous," this is the good that the speaker desires to do but struggles to perform Romans 7:18.
- G2147 heurískō: This word means "to find (literally or figuratively)." It frames the personal discovery of the internal conflict, as the speaker finds this principle at work within himself Romans 7:21.
The theological weight of G3873 is focused on the nature of the human condition and spiritual warfare.
- The Immediacy of Inner Conflict: G3873 shows that the human will is not isolated. The desire to will G2309 good is constantly accompanied by the nearness of evil G2556, making the struggle an immediate reality Romans 7:21.
- The State of the Flesh: The word is used in a context that specifies this struggle is located within the flesh G4561, where no good thing G18 dwells. What is present in the flesh is therefore a source of conflict with the inner will Romans 7:18.
- A Revealed Principle: The use of G3873 helps articulate a spiritual "law" G3551. This principle is that evil is not a distant enemy but is "at hand" or present precisely when the intent is to do good Romans 7:21.
In summary, G3873 does more than denote simple proximity; it describes an intimate and immediate accessibility. In its specific biblical context, it powerfully illustrates the internal war between the regenerated will that desires good and the persistent presence of evil in the flesh. The term is crucial for understanding that this spiritual conflict is not an abstract concept but a personal, ever-present reality for the believer.
TRV