### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb παραπλησίως (paraplēsíōs, `{{G3898}}`) is derived from the adjective παραπλήσιον (paraplēsion, `{{G3897}}`), which signifies "very near" or "almost equal." Its etymology reveals a combination of the prefix παρα- (para-), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "near," and the root πλησίος (plēsios), meaning "near" or "neighbor." Thus, the core meaning of παραπλησίως is "in a manner near by," "in a very similar way," or "likewise." It denotes a high degree of resemblance or parallelism, indicating that something occurs or exists *similarly* to something else, without necessarily implying absolute identity. The nuance is one of close approximation and shared characteristics rather than exact duplication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb παραπλησίως (paraplēsíōs, `{{G3898}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **Hebrews 2:14**: "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise (παραπλησίως) partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil."
In this pivotal passage, the author of Hebrews underscores the profound reality of Christ's incarnation. The "children" refer to humanity, who are characterized by their mortal, physical nature ("flesh and blood"). The adverb παραπλησίως emphasizes that Jesus' participation in "the same things" – that is, in human flesh and blood – was not merely analogous or symbolic, but a genuine and full identification with humanity's physical existence. The "likewise" here powerfully affirms the shared, common nature. It highlights that Christ truly became human, experiencing the full scope of human physical existence, though without sin. This shared humanity was essential for His redemptive mission: to die and thereby conquer death and the devil. The context is deeply soteriological, demonstrating the necessity of Christ's true humanity for His work as a sympathetic and effective High Priest and Redeemer.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of παραπλησίως (paraplēsíōs, `{{G3898}}`) includes several related terms that express similarity or likeness. The most direct lexical relative is the adjective παραπλήσιον (paraplēsion, `{{G3897}}`), from which the adverb is derived. Other Greek words conveying similar concepts include:
* ὁμοίως (homoios, `{{G3668}}`): "likewise," "similarly," often implying a more direct resemblance or equality.
* καθώς (kathōs, `{{G2531}}`): "just as," "according as," indicating correspondence or conformity.
* ἀντίτυπον (antitupos, `{{G499}}`): "corresponding to," "a copy," or "a figure corresponding to a reality."
Theologically, παραπλησίως is closely tied to concepts such as:
* **Incarnation**: The belief that God the Son became human.
* **Solidarity**: Christ's full identification and shared experience with humanity.
* **Humanity of Christ**: The doctrine that Jesus possessed a complete human nature, including a physical body and soul.
* **Atonement**: Christ's work of reconciliation through His death, which necessitated His participation in human mortality.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of παραπλησίως (paraplēsíōs, `{{G3898}}`) in Hebrews 2:14 carries immense theological weight. It serves as a crucial linguistic anchor for understanding the depth and reality of Christ's incarnation. By stating that Christ "likewise" partook of flesh and blood, the author affirms that Jesus did not merely appear to be human or take on a semblance of humanity, but genuinely shared in the physical nature of those He came to save. This genuine participation was not incidental but foundational to His redemptive work.
His full humanity, expressed by παραπλησίως, means that He could truly suffer, die, and thus destroy the power of death. It underscores His qualification to be the perfect High Priest, one who can "sympathize with our weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15) because He himself has been "tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin." The adverb thus highlights the profound solidarity between Christ and fallen humanity, a solidarity that enabled Him to bridge the gap between God and humanity through His sacrificial death. Without this genuine, "likewise" sharing in human nature, the efficacy of His atoning work would be undermined.
### Summary
The Greek adverb παραπλησίως (paraplēsíōs, `{{G3898}}`) signifies "in a very similar way" or "likewise," emphasizing a close resemblance or shared characteristic rather than absolute identity. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 2:14]] is profoundly significant, articulating the genuine and complete participation of Jesus Christ in human flesh and blood. This "likewise" sharing in humanity's physical nature was essential for His redemptive mission, enabling Him to conquer death and the devil through His own death. The word thus underscores the theological truths of Christ's full humanity, His solidarity with mankind, and the necessity of His incarnation for the atonement, revealing a Savior who truly identified with those He came to redeem.
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