### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G3876 (παρακοή, parakoḗ) is derived from the verb παρακούω (parakouō, `{{G3878}}`), which literally means "to hear amiss," "to hear alongside," or "to overhear." The "para-" prefix often indicates a deviation, proximity, or a failure. Therefore, parakoḗ fundamentally signifies "inattention" or "a failure to heed." By implication, particularly in a moral or theological context, this inattention naturally leads to "disobedience." It suggests a failure to properly listen to, or a neglect of, a command or instruction, rather than necessarily an active, defiant rebellion. It points to a moral lapse rooted in a lack of proper hearing or a deliberate disregard for what was communicated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3876 appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a crucial aspect of its meaning and theological weight:
* **[[Romans 5:19]]**: "For as by the one man's disobedience (παρακοῆς) the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."
* Here, parakoḗ is attributed to Adam, serving as the foundational act that introduced sin and death into humanity. It is presented in stark contrast to Christ's ὑπακοή (hypakoē, `{{G5218}}`, obedience). Adam's act of parakoḗ was not merely a minor oversight but a pivotal transgression that had universal, catastrophic consequences, highlighting the profound impact of even a single act of disregarding God's clear command.
* **[[2 Corinthians 10:6]]**: "...being ready to punish all disobedience (παρακοήν) when your obedience is complete."
* In this context, Paul is asserting his apostolic authority and the spiritual power given to him for the destruction of strongholds and lofty opinions that oppose the knowledge of God. Parakoḗ here refers to the resistance or insubordination of those within the Corinthian church who challenge Paul's authority and teaching. It signifies a failure to submit to the divinely ordained authority of the apostle, which is ultimately a form of disobedience to Christ himself. The readiness to punish underscores the seriousness with which such disregard is viewed.
* **[[Hebrews 2:2]]**: "For if the message declared through angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression and disobedience (παρακοή) received a just retribution..."
* The author of Hebrews emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment for those who disregarded the Old Covenant Law, which was mediated through angels. Parakoḗ here refers to the failure to comply with the commands of that Law, a neglect to hear and heed God's revealed will. The verse contrasts the severe consequences of parakoḗ under the old covenant with the even greater danger of neglecting the "great salvation" offered through Christ, implying that a failure to heed the superior revelation will incur an even greater judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonym:** The primary antonym is ὑπακοή (hypakoē, `{{G5218}}`), meaning "obedience," literally "hearing under" or "submissive hearing." This contrast is explicitly drawn in [[Romans 5:19]].
* **Synonyms/Related Terms:**
* ἀπείθεια (apeitheia, `{{G543}}`): "disobedience," "unbelief," "obstinacy." While parakoḗ emphasizes a failure to hear or heed, apeitheia often implies a willful refusal to be persuaded or to obey despite having heard.
* παράβασις (parabasis, `{{G3847}}`): "transgression," "stepping over a line." This term highlights the violation of a specific command or boundary. In [[Hebrews 2:2]], parakoḗ is paired with parabasis, suggesting parakoḗ might be a broader category of failure to heed, while parabasis is a more direct act of crossing a forbidden boundary.
* ἀνομία (anomia, `{{G458}}`): "lawlessness," "wickedness." This denotes a state of being without law or in defiance of law, a more comprehensive rejection of divine order.
* **Root Verb:** παρακούω (parakouō, `{{G3878}}`): "to hear amiss," "to neglect to hear," "to disobey." This verb directly informs the noun's meaning, emphasizing the initial failure in listening that leads to the act of disobedience.
### Theological Significance
Parakoḗ holds significant theological weight in the New Testament:
* **The Nature of Sin:** It powerfully illustrates that sin is fundamentally a failure to listen to and obey God's voice and commands. Adam's parakoḗ in [[Romans 5:19]] establishes a paradigm for human sinfulness, demonstrating that even a single act of disregard for divine instruction can have profound and universal consequences. Sin is not merely an action but a disposition of the heart that neglects or rejects divine revelation.
* **Divine Authority and Human Responsibility:** The concept underscores God's absolute authority to command and humanity's inherent responsibility to obey. Disobedience, whether through inattention or willful neglect, is a direct affront to God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** [[Hebrews 2:2]] vividly portrays the principle of divine justice and retribution for parakoḗ. God's righteousness ensures that disregard for His revealed will does not go unpunished. This reinforces the seriousness of obedience, especially in light of the New Covenant's greater revelation and the "great salvation" it offers.
* **Contrast with Christ's Obedience:** The stark theological contrast between Adam's parakoḗ and Christ's perfect ὑπακοή (`{{G5218}}`) in [[Romans 5:19]] is central to the Gospel. Humanity's fall came through disobedience, but redemption and righteousness are secured through the perfect, active obedience of Christ, who rectifies the consequences of human failure.
* **Call to Hear and Obey:** The presence of G3876 in the biblical text serves as a solemn warning and a profound call to diligent listening and faithful obedience to God's word, particularly the gospel message delivered through Christ.
### Summary
G3876 (παρακοή, parakoḗ) denotes "inattention" or "disobedience," stemming from a failure to properly hear or heed divine instruction. It is a critical term for understanding the nature of sin, exemplified by Adam's pivotal act of parakoḗ that brought sin into the world ([[Romans 5:19]]). The term also highlights resistance to apostolic authority ([[2 Corinthians 10:6]]) and the certainty of divine retribution for those who disregard God's revealed will ([[Hebrews 2:2]]). Theologically, parakoḗ underscores sin as a failure to listen to God, emphasizing the grave consequences of neglecting divine instruction and standing in stark contrast to Christ's perfect obedience, which provides the pathway to righteousness. It serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's ongoing responsibility to diligently hear and obey the voice of God.
TRV