### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3899 παραπορεύομαι (paraporeúomai) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "past," and the verb πορεύομαι (poreuomai) `{{G4198}}`, meaning "to go," "to journey," or "to proceed." The combination yields a core meaning of "to go alongside," "to pass by," or "to travel past." It denotes movement that brings one into proximity with something or someone, often with the implication of then moving beyond it. The nuance is not merely of general movement, but of a specific trajectory that brings one near and then carries one onward, suggesting either a transient observation or a purposeful passage through an area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3899 παραπορεύομαι appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels, consistently describing physical movement:
* **[[Mark 2:23]]**: "And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn." Here, Jesus and His disciples are *passing through* the grainfields. The verb emphasizes their movement *through* or *alongside* the fields, directly leading to the Sabbath controversy regarding plucking grain. It describes their journey and proximity to the harvest.
* **[[Mark 9:30]]**: "And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it." In this context, Jesus and His disciples are *passing through* the region of Galilee. The word highlights their journey and their intentional desire for discretion during this passage, underscoring a period of private teaching about His impending suffering.
* **[[Mark 11:20]]**: "And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." This describes Jesus and His disciples *passing by* the fig tree that Jesus had cursed. The verb emphasizes their observation of the withered tree *while* in transit, highlighting the immediate and visible consequence of Jesus' words.
* **[[Mark 15:29]]**: "And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days." This verse depicts those *passing by* the cross of Jesus, reviling Him. The term underscores their transient presence at the crucifixion site, acting as observers who mock rather than comprehend.
* **[[Matthew 27:39]]**: "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads." This is the Matthean parallel to Mark 15:29, with the identical meaning and implication: the passers-by engage in mockery, highlighting the public scorn directed at the crucified Christ.
* **[[Luke 18:36]]**: "And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant." A blind man hears a crowd *passing by*. The verb describes the movement of the multitude, which then leads to the blind man's inquiry and subsequent healing by Jesus. It sets the scene for an encounter initiated by the blind man's awareness of the passing crowd.
Across these occurrences, G3899 consistently denotes physical movement, often setting the stage for a significant event, observation, or interaction. It emphasizes proximity and a trajectory that takes one past a specific location or group.
### Related Words & Concepts
G3899 παραπορεύομαι is closely related to other verbs of motion, particularly those prefixed with παρά (para):
* **πορεύομαι (poreuomai) `{{G4198}}`**: The base verb, meaning "to go," "to journey," or "to proceed." παραπορεύομαι is a more specific form of πορεύομαι, adding the nuance of "alongside" or "past."
* **παράγω (paragō) `{{G3855}}`**: Meaning "to pass by," "to go away," or "to depart." While similar, παράγω can often imply a more definitive departure or passing out of sight, whereas παραπορεύομαι maintains the sense of moving *alongside* or *through* something before moving past.
* **παρέρχομαι (parerchomai) `{{G3928}}`**: Meaning "to pass by," "to pass away," "to come near," or "to come to an end." This word is very close in semantic range to παραπορεύομαι, often used interchangeably in contexts of physical passing. However, παρέρχομαι also carries the significant meaning of "to perish" or "to pass out of existence" (e.g., heaven and earth will pass away), a sense not found in παραπορεύομαι.
The concept of "passing by" often highlights either a fleeting opportunity for interaction or a transient moment of observation. It underscores the dynamic nature of life and the frequent intersection of paths.
### Theological Significance
While G3899 παραπορεύομαι is primarily a descriptive verb of motion, its theological significance emerges from the contexts in which it is used:
1. **Divine Purpose in Movement**: When Jesus "passes through" or "passes by" (e.g., [[Mark 2:23]], [[Mark 9:30]], [[Mark 11:20]]), His movement is never aimless. It often precedes or accompanies significant acts of teaching, healing, or revelation. His passage through the grainfields on the Sabbath leads to a foundational teaching on His authority over the Law. His quiet passage through Galilee prepares His disciples for the revelation of His suffering. His passing by the fig tree demonstrates the power of His word. These instances underscore that God's work unfolds within the ordinary movements of life, often setting the stage for divine encounter.
2. **Human Response to Christ's Presence**: The occurrences at the cross (e.g., [[Mark 15:29]], [[Matthew 27:39]]) are particularly poignant. Those "passing by" who revile Jesus represent the world's rejection and mockery of the Messiah. Their transient presence highlights their superficial engagement; they are mere observers of the profound, eternal event, unable or unwilling to grasp its true meaning. This contrasts sharply with those who would later become faithful followers, whose "passing by" led to a transformative encounter.
3. **Opportunity and Encounter**: The blind man in [[Luke 18:36]] hears the crowd "passing by," which prompts his inquiry and subsequent healing. This illustrates how even mundane movement can create an opportunity for divine intervention and personal encounter with Jesus. It suggests that alertness to the presence of God, even amidst the everyday "passing by," can lead to profound spiritual and physical transformation.
In essence, παραπορεύομαι often serves as a narrative device to establish the setting for theological revelation, human decision, and divine action. It shows how the paths of God and humanity intersect, sometimes leading to rejection, other times to salvation.
### Summary
G3899 παραπορεύομαι signifies "to pass by" or "to go alongside," emphasizing a physical movement that brings one into proximity with something or someone before moving onward. In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, this verb consistently describes purposeful journeys or transient observations. Its usage highlights Jesus' intentional movements that set the stage for His teachings and miracles, as well as the diverse human responses—from mockery to seeking—to His presence. Though a simple verb of motion, its contextual application often underscores themes of divine purpose, the nature of human rejection, and the unexpected opportunities for encounter with Christ that arise within the ordinary course of life.
TRV