παρανομία

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word paranomía, represented by G3892, refers to transgression or iniquity. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant. The term is derived from παρανομέω, conveying the concept of violating law or accepted order.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of G3892 is in the New Testament, where it describes a specific act of wrongdoing. In 2 Peter 2:16, the prophet Balaam "was rebuked for his iniquity." The passage details that this rebuke was delivered in a miraculous way, by a "dumb ass speaking with man's voice," which ultimately "forbad the madness of the prophet." This event frames iniquity not just as a sin, but as a transgression that prompts a direct and supernatural intervention.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words appear in the same verse, providing a fuller picture of the context surrounding G3892:

• G1649 élenxis (rebuke): Defined as a refutation or reproof, this word is the direct consequence of the iniquity. The transgression G3892 led to a divine rebuke G1649 2 Peter 2:16.
• G3913 paraphronía (madness): This term, meaning insanity or foolhardiness, is used to describe the state of the prophet. His iniquity is directly associated with this madness, which the rebuke was intended to stop 2 Peter 2:16.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3892 is concentrated in its single, dramatic appearance.

• Consequence of Transgression: The term is intrinsically linked to consequence. The iniquity of the prophet did not occur in a vacuum but resulted in an immediate and humbling rebuke.
• Iniquity as Madness: The passage connects transgression with madness G3913, suggesting that from a divine perspective, acting against God's will is a form of insanity or extreme foolhardiness.
• Divine Intervention: The unique use of G3892 is a stark reminder that God can and will intervene, using even the most unexpected means to expose and halt iniquity.

Summary

In summary, while paranomía G3892 is one of the rarest terms in the Bible, its meaning is powerfully illustrated in its only context. It represents a transgression so severe that it is characterized as madness and warrants a miraculous rebuke. The word serves as a pointed example of the direct consequences of iniquity and God's power to confront it.