from a compound of παρά and νόμος; to be opposed to law, i.e. to transgress:--contrary to law.
Transliteration:paranoméō
Pronunciation:par-an-om-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3891 (παρανομέω, *paranoméō*) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`), meaning "beside," "contrary to," or "beyond," and the noun νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`), meaning "law." Etymologically, it signifies "to act beside the law" or, more accurately, "to act contrary to the law." Its core meaning denotes the act of transgressing or violating an established law, rule, or custom. The semantic range is narrow, specifically pointing to an action that is unlawful, illegal, or in opposition to a legal standard. It implies a deliberate deviation from what is prescribed or permissible by law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G3891 (παρανομέω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 23:3]]**: "Then Paul said to him, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?'"
In this singular occurrence, Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest Ananias commands those standing by Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul's indignant response directly accuses Ananias of acting παρανομέω ("contrary to the law"). The context is a judicial proceeding where the high priest, who is supposed to embody and uphold the law, is himself violating due process by ordering a physical assault on a defendant before any legal judgment has been rendered. Paul's accusation highlights the profound hypocrisy and injustice of Ananias's command, demonstrating that even those in positions of authority are not exempt from the law, and indeed, are expected to adhere to it rigorously. The act of striking an accused individual without conviction was a violation of Jewish legal norms, which required a fair hearing.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G3891 is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and biblical concepts:
* νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`): The foundational word for "law," whether divine (Torah) or human. παρανομέω is the act of violating this νόμος.
* ἀνομία (anomia, `{{G458}}`): "Lawlessness" or "iniquity." While παρανομέω is the *act* of transgressing, ἀνομία often describes the *state* or *condition* of being without law or in opposition to it, or the characteristic of lawlessness itself.
* παραβαίνω (parabainō, `{{G3845}}`): "To transgress," "to step over a boundary." This verb is a more general term for transgression, often used for breaking a command or covenant. παρανομέω is a specific instance of παραβαίνω in a legal context.
* παραβάτης (parabatēs, `{{G3848}}`): "Transgressor," one who steps over the boundary.
* ἀδικία (adikia, `{{G93}}`): "Unrighteousness," "injustice." The act of παρανομέω often results in ἀδικία, as seen in Ananias's command.
* ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`): "Sin," "missing the mark." All law-breaking is a form of sin, but παρανομέω specifically emphasizes the legal aspect of the transgression.
* Concepts of divine justice, human justice, corruption, and the integrity of legal proceedings.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G3891 in [[Acts 23:3]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the biblical emphasis on justice and the rule of law, even within human systems. Paul's sharp rebuke to Ananias highlights several key theological points:
1. **Accountability of Authority**: Even those in positions of religious or judicial authority are not above the law. God holds leaders accountable for their actions, particularly when they pervert justice. Ananias, as high priest, was expected to embody the very law he violated.
2. **The Nature of True Righteousness**: True righteousness is not merely outward adherence to rituals, but an internal commitment to justice and moral integrity. Ananias's παρανομέω exposed the spiritual bankruptcy beneath his religious office.
3. **God as the Ultimate Judge**: Paul's declaration, "God will strike you," immediately following his accusation of παρανομέω, asserts divine judgment over human injustice. It reinforces the belief that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice and will address all lawlessness.
4. **The Integrity of the Gospel Messenger**: Paul, in his defense, appeals to principles of law and justice, demonstrating that the early Christian message was not anti-law, but rather sought to uphold true righteousness and expose hypocrisy, even within established religious structures. The gospel calls for adherence to God's righteous standards, which includes just legal practices.
### Summary
G3891 (παρανομέω, *paranoméō*) is a precise Greek verb meaning "to act contrary to the law" or "to transgress." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 23:3]] is highly impactful, as Paul uses it to accuse the high priest Ananias of violating legal principles during a judicial proceeding. This single usage powerfully illustrates the biblical condemnation of injustice and the perversion of law by those in authority. The word underscores the theological principle that all, including leaders, are subject to a higher standard of righteousness and accountability to God's just principles, highlighting the tension between corrupt human actions and divine expectations for justice.
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