### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παραλύω (paralýō, `{{G3886}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "amiss," and the verb λύω (lyō, `{{G3089}}`), meaning "to loose," "untie," or "release." Etymologically, it conveys the idea of "to loosen beside" or "to loosen amiss," implying a state where the normal function of a limb or body part is impaired or disabled.
In its New Testament usage, παραλύω almost exclusively appears in the perfect passive participle form, παραλελυμένος (paralelymenos), which describes a *state* of being: "having been paralyzed" or "being enfeebled." This signifies a condition of severe physical incapacitation, where the individual has lost control or sensation in parts of their body, rendering them immobile or extremely weak. The term thus denotes a profound physical disability, often referred to as "palsy" in older translations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of παραλύω in the New Testament consistently refer to individuals suffering from paralysis, highlighting their physical helplessness and the miraculous power of Jesus and His apostles.
* In [[Matthew 4:24]], παραλελυμένους is used as a general category among those brought to Jesus for healing, alongside demon-possessed and epileptics, indicating a severe and widespread affliction.
* The most prominent narratives involve individuals specifically identified as παραλελυμένος. In [[Matthew 8:6]], a centurion's servant is described as "lying at home paralyzed, suffering terribly," emphasizing the painful and debilitating nature of the condition.
* The healing of the paralytic brought by four men in [[Matthew 9:2-7]] (paralleled in [[Luke 5:18-26]]) is particularly significant. Here, Jesus not only heals the man physically but first declares his sins forgiven. This narrative explicitly links the physical ailment to a deeper spiritual reality, demonstrating Jesus' authority over both. The command to "rise, pick up your bed and go home" ([[Matthew 9:6]], [[Luke 5:24]]) signifies a complete restoration to full function and dignity.
* The book of Acts records the continuation of such healings through the apostles. In [[Acts 8:7]], Philip's ministry in Samaria includes the healing of "many who were paralyzed or lame."
* Peter's healing of Aeneas in Lydda ([[Acts 9:33-34]]) further exemplifies this. Aeneas had been bedridden and παραλελυμένος for eight years, underscoring the chronic nature of some of these conditions and the dramatic nature of their instant cure.
Across these contexts, παραλύω consistently depicts a state of profound physical immobility, serving as a backdrop against which the divine power of healing is dramatically displayed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of παραλύω are fundamental to its meaning:
* παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`): This preposition contributes the nuance of deviation, being "beside" or "amiss" from the norm, thus leading to a state of dysfunction.
* λύω (lyō, `{{G3089}}`): This verb's sense of "to loose" or "to release" indicates that the body's normal functions or connections have been unstrung or disabled.
Other related terms in the semantic field of sickness and weakness include:
* ἀσθενής (asthenēs, `{{G770}}`): "weak," "feeble," often used generally for sickness.
* νοσέω (noseō, `{{G3552}}`): "to be sick."
* κάμνω (kamnō, `{{G2577}}`): "to be weary," "to be sick."
* The noun form παραλυτικός (paralytikos, `{{G3885}}`): "a paralytic," directly derived from the verb, often used interchangeably in some contexts to refer to the afflicted person.
These related terms help to contextualize παραλύω as a specific and severe form of physical infirmity, distinct in its complete incapacitation.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of παραλύω carry profound theological significance:
1. **Human Helplessness and Divine Power:** Paralysis represents the epitome of human physical helplessness and dependence. The inability to move, walk, or care for oneself underscores the radical need for divine intervention. The healing of the paralytic powerfully demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority and power over physical limitations, revealing Him as the one who can restore what is utterly broken.
2. **Holistic Salvation:** The narrative in [[Matthew 9]] and [[Luke 5]] is crucial. Jesus' pronouncement, "Son, your sins are forgiven," *before* commanding the paralytic to rise, highlights a profound theological truth: human brokenness is not merely physical but also spiritual. While not all sickness is a direct result of individual sin, this episode reveals Jesus' authority to address the root of human brokenness—sin—and to bring comprehensive, holistic salvation that encompasses both body and soul.
3. **Signs of the Kingdom:** The immediate and complete healing of paralytics serves as a powerful sign that the Kingdom of God has drawn near in the person of Jesus. These acts of restoration are foretastes of the eschatological new creation, where "no inhabitant will say, 'I am sick'" ([[Isaiah 33:24]]).
4. **Authenticity of Jesus' Claims:** By healing the paralytic, Jesus provides tangible proof of His unique authority to forgive sins, a prerogative belonging to God alone. This miracle validates His divine identity and mission.
5. **Continuity of Ministry:** The healings performed by Philip and Peter in Acts demonstrate that the power of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, continues to operate through His apostles. This signifies that the restorative work of the Kingdom is extended through the church, bringing hope and healing to a fallen world.
### Summary
παραλύω (paralýō, `{{G3886}}`) describes the state of being "paralyzed" or "enfeebled," a severe physical condition resulting from a "loosening beside" or "amiss" of bodily functions. Predominantly used in its perfect passive participle form, παραλελυμένος, the term consistently denotes profound physical helplessness in the New Testament. Its biblical occurrences, particularly in the healing narratives involving Jesus and His apostles, serve as powerful demonstrations of divine authority and compassion. The theological significance of παραλύω lies in its portrayal of human brokenness, which sets the stage for the unveiling of Jesus' holistic power over both physical infirmity and spiritual sin, offering a glimpse into the comprehensive restoration brought by the Kingdom of God.
TRV