The Greek word paraporeúomai, represented by G3899, means to travel near or to go, pass (by). It is formed from the words παρά and πορεύομαι. This term appears 5 times in 5 unique verses, indicating a specific but significant usage in the New Testament narrative. Its core meaning relates to movement alongside or past a particular person, place, or object.
In its biblical usage, G3899 describes movement in pivotal moments of Jesus's ministry and passion. It is used to describe the actions of those who mocked Jesus on the cross, as they passed by and reviled him (Matthew 27:39, Mark 15:29). The word also depicts Jesus's own movements, such as when he went through the corn fields with his disciples on the Sabbath Mark 2:23. In another instance, the disciples passed by the fig tree and witnessed that it had dried up from the roots Mark 11:20. It is also used to describe Jesus and his disciples as they deliberately passed through Galilee in an attempt to avoid public notice Mark 9:30.
Several related words clarify the context and action surrounding paraporeúomai:
- G987 blasphēméō (to vilify; specially, to speak impiously): This term is directly paired with G3899 to describe the actions of those who passed by the cross, as they reviled and railed on Jesus (Mark 15:29, Matthew 27:39).
- G2795 kinéō (to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively:--(re-)move(-r), way): This word describes the physical gesture of those who passed by Jesus, "wagging" their heads in mockery Matthew 27:39.
- G1831 exérchomai (to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of)): This word for departing is used in sequence with G3899 to describe the beginning of a journey, as when Jesus and his disciples departed from a place and then passed through Galilee Mark 9:30.
The theological weight of G3899 is revealed in who is moving and why. The word highlights a contrast between seeing and not seeing, between faith and rejection.
- The Moment of Rejection: The act of "passing by" the cross is not neutral. It is the context for mockery and blasphemy, underscoring the world's rejection of the crucified Christ. Those who passed by wagged their heads, demonstrating their failure to recognize the divine event before them (Mark 15:29, Matthew 27:39).
- The Path of Purposeful Ministry: When Jesus is the one "passing by" or "going through," his movement is always purposeful. He moves through Galilee to teach his disciples privately Mark 9:30 and through the corn fields, which leads to a teaching on the Sabbath Mark 2:23.
- Witnessing Divine Power: The disciples' act of passing by the fig tree becomes an occasion for them to witness the power of Jesus's words and the reality of his authority over nature Mark 11:20.
In summary, G3899 paraporeúomai is more than a simple term for movement. While it literally means to pass by or go near something, its use in the Gospels frames critical moments. It captures the scornful indifference of those who reviled Jesus on the cross, the purposeful and often discreet journeys of Jesus during his ministry, and the revelatory moments when his disciples witnessed his power. The word illustrates how the simple act of passing by can become a backdrop for profound spiritual encounters, highlighting the divide between those who see and believe, and those who see and reject.
TRV