### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3879 παρακύπτω (parakýptō) is a compound word derived from παρά (para), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and κύπτω (kyptō), meaning "to bend" or "to stoop." Its core meaning thus conveys the physical action of bending or stooping down beside something in order to look intently or peer into it. This is not a casual glance but implies a focused, deliberate, and often effortful gaze, suggesting a desire to see clearly or to discern something hidden or within. The semantic range extends from a literal physical posture to a metaphorical posture of intense mental or spiritual scrutiny and earnest desire. It denotes a focused attention that requires a change in one's physical or intellectual position to gain a clearer view.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3879 παρακύπτω appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
1. **The Empty Tomb Narratives:**
* In [[Luke 24:12]], Peter "stooped down" (παρακύψας) to look into the tomb after hearing the women's report. He saw the linen cloths lying there and went away wondering.
* Similarly, in [[John 20:5]], John, arriving at the tomb first, "stooped down" (παρακύψας) and saw the linen cloths, though he did not enter.
* In [[John 20:11]], Mary Magdalene "stooped down" (παρέκυψεν) into the tomb and saw two angels.
In these contexts, parakýptō describes the physical act of bending over to peer into the low entrance of the tomb. This action signifies a sense of urgency, curiosity, and a desire for verification. The disciples and Mary are not merely glancing but are actively investigating the astonishing claim of the empty tomb, seeking to understand what has transpired. Their physical posture reflects their intense mental engagement with the unprecedented situation.
2. **The Perfect Law of Liberty:**
* [[James 1:25]] states, "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." Here, parakýptō is used metaphorically. To "look intently into" (ὁ παρακύψας εἰς) the law implies more than a superficial reading or hearing. It denotes a deep, sustained, and careful examination of God's Word, as one would bend over to scrutinize a precious object. This intense engagement is contrasted with merely "hearing" and "forgetting," emphasizing the need for active assimilation and obedience.
3. **Angelic Desire:**
* [[1 Peter 1:12]] speaks of the prophets ministering things "into which angels long to look" (εἰς ἃ ἐπιθυμοῦσιν ἄγγελοι παρακύψαι). This profound statement describes the eager desire of angels to comprehend the mysteries of salvation, which were revealed to the prophets and now proclaimed through the Gospel. The use of parakýptō here suggests an intense, almost straining desire on the part of the angels to peer into and understand the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, highlighting its immense glory and significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
G3879 παρακύπτω stands distinct from other Greek verbs for "seeing" by emphasizing the physical effort or intense focus involved in the act of looking.
* **`{{G991}}` βλέπω (blepō):** A general verb for seeing, perceiving, or observing, often without specific intensity. One might blepō a landscape.
* **`{{G3708}}` ὁράω (horaō):** To see, often with the implication of understanding or experiencing. It can refer to a visionary experience.
* **`{{G2300}}` θεάομαι (theaomai):** To behold, gaze upon, often with wonder or contemplation, as one might theaomai a spectacle.
* **`{{G816}}` ἀτενίζω (atenizō):** To gaze intently, fix one's eyes upon something without wavering, implying a steady, unwavering look.
While atenizō also conveys intensity, parakýptō uniquely adds the element of physical bending or stooping *to facilitate* that intense gaze. It suggests overcoming an obstruction or reaching a position to gain a clearer, more intimate view. Concepts related to parakýptō therefore include:
* **Scrutiny and Investigation:** As seen at the tomb.
* **Diligent Examination:** As applied to the Law in James.
* **Earnest Desire and Longing:** As expressed by the angels in 1 Peter.
The word highlights an active, rather than passive, engagement with the object of sight, often driven by profound curiosity or a deep spiritual longing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3879 παρακύπτω is rich and multifaceted:
1. **The Reality of the Resurrection:** Its repeated use in the resurrection narratives underscores the tangible, physical evidence of the empty tomb. The disciples' act of stooping and peering confirms the absence of Jesus' body, forcing them to confront the unprecedented reality. It marks a pivotal moment of transition from confusion and grief to the dawning realization of Christ's triumph over death, grounded in verifiable observation.
2. **Engagement with God's Word:** In James, parakýptō provides a profound metaphor for the proper posture towards God's "perfect law of liberty." It is not enough to merely hear the Word; one must diligently and earnestly "look into" it, allowing it to penetrate deeply into one's understanding and life. This active, sustained engagement leads to true transformation and blessing, emphasizing that God's law, when truly embraced, liberates rather than constrains. It is a call to a life of active discipleship, where the Word is not just studied but lived.
3. **The Glory of Salvation:** The angels' desire to "look into" the mysteries of salvation in 1 Peter elevates the profound and awe-inspiring nature of God's redemptive plan. If even celestial beings, who are privy to divine knowledge, long to understand these truths more deeply, it magnifies the incredible grace bestowed upon humanity through Christ. This highlights the unparalleled wonder of the Gospel message and the privilege of those who have received it.
In essence, parakýptō consistently points to an active, intentional, and often reverent engagement with divine truths, whether through physical observation, diligent study, or spiritual longing.
### Summary
G3879 παρακύπτω (parakýptō) signifies the act of bending or stooping down to peer intently into something, implying a focused, deliberate, and often effortful gaze. Its usage in the New Testament reveals both literal and metaphorical applications. Literally, it describes the physical act of the disciples and Mary Magdalene bending to look into the empty tomb, underscoring their investigative curiosity and the tangible reality of the resurrection [[Luke 24:12]], [[John 20:5]], [[John 20:11]]. Metaphorically, it calls for an intense, diligent examination of the "perfect law of liberty" in [[James 1:25]], urging believers to deeply engage with God's Word for transformation and blessing. Furthermore, in [[1 Peter 1:12]], it conveys the profound, eager desire of angels to comprehend the glorious mysteries of human salvation, testifying to the immense significance of God's redemptive plan. Across its occurrences, parakýptō consistently emphasizes an active, earnest, and often reverent posture towards divine truth, whether observed, studied, or longed for.
TRV