from παρά and the base of σημαίνω; side-marked, i.e. labelled (with a badge (figure-head) of a ship):--sign.
Transliteration:parásēmos
Pronunciation:par-as'-ay-mos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παράσημος (transliterated *parásēmos*, `{{G3902}}`) is a compound term derived from the preposition παρά (*pará*), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the base of the verb σημαίνω (*sēmainō*), meaning "to show by a sign" or "to mark." Literally, it signifies "side-marked" or "marked on the side." In its specific technical usage within ancient Greek, as reflected in its New Testament occurrence, *parásēmos* refers to the distinctive figurehead or emblem affixed to the bow of a ship. This mark served as a unique identifier for the vessel, much like a modern ship's name or flag. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, specifically denoting such a distinguishing maritime insignia.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *parásēmos* (`{{G3902}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 28:11]]**: "After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead."
* The Greek phrase is "παρασήμῳ Διοσκούροις" (*parasēmō Dioskourois*), which translates to "with the sign/figurehead of the Dioscuri." The Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, were mythological twin sons of Zeus (or Tyndareus) and Leda, revered in Greco-Roman culture as patrons of sailors and protectors against storms. Their image was a common and recognizable figurehead on ships of that era, especially those engaged in long voyages across the Mediterranean, such as the large Alexandrian grain ships.
* In this context, Luke, the author of Acts, provides a precise historical detail about the ship that carried Paul, Julius the centurion, and other prisoners from Malta to Syracuse, and eventually towards Rome. This meticulous observation highlights Luke's commitment to historical accuracy and his attention to the specific cultural and material realities of the first century. The *parásēmos* here is purely descriptive, serving to identify the vessel by its prominent, well-known emblem. It underscores the authenticity and verifiability of the narrative, providing a vivid snapshot of ancient maritime travel.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *parásēmos* (`{{G3902}}`) is unique in its specific application, it shares a root with more common Greek words related to "sign" or "mark":
* **σημαίνω (*sēmainō*)** `{{G4591}}`: The verbal root from which *parásēmos* is derived, meaning "to show by a sign," "to signify," or "to indicate."
* **σημεῖον (*sēmeion*)** `{{G4592}}`: A much broader and more frequently used term in the New Testament, meaning "a sign," "a token," or "a miracle." This word often refers to miraculous works performed by Jesus or the apostles, serving as indicators of divine power or authority. Unlike *parásēmos*, which denotes a fixed identifier, *sēmeion* often points to a dynamic event or a symbolic representation.
* **χαράγμα (*charagma*)** `{{G5480}}`: Meaning "a stamp," "an imprint," or "a mark." This term is notably used in the book of Revelation to describe the "mark of the beast," carrying significant eschatological and theological weight distinct from the descriptive nature of *parásēmos*.
* Conceptually, *parásēmos* relates to notions of identity, designation, and recognition in the ancient world, where visual symbols played a crucial role in distinguishing people, places, and objects.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence and purely descriptive function in [[Acts 28:11]], *parásēmos* (`{{G3902}}`) does not carry inherent theological meaning in the same way that words like "faith" or "grace" do. However, its presence in the biblical text contributes to theological understanding in several indirect but significant ways:
* **Veracity of Scripture**: Luke's inclusion of such a precise and verifiable detail about the ship's figurehead reinforces the historical reliability and accuracy of the book of Acts. This meticulous reporting lends credibility to the entire narrative, including its theological claims about the person of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the spread of the Gospel. The historical grounding of the biblical narrative is a cornerstone for its theological authority.
* **Divine Providence**: The fact that Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, is transported on a ship identified by a pagan figurehead (the Dioscuri) subtly illustrates the overarching providence of God. Even amidst symbols of pagan belief and human superstition, God's sovereign plan unfolds. He uses the ordinary means and circumstances of the world—including a ship marked with pagan symbols—to achieve His divine purposes, ensuring Paul's safe passage to Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, for the advancement of the Gospel.
* **Cultural Context of the Early Church**: The detail provides valuable insight into the maritime and cultural environment in which the early church operated. It reminds us that the Gospel was proclaimed and spread within a world rich with diverse beliefs, practices, and everyday realities, all of which God was able to transcend and utilize for His glory.
### Summary
The Greek word *parásēmos* (`{{G3902}}`) literally means "side-marked" and specifically refers to the figurehead or distinguishing emblem of an ancient ship. Its sole New Testament appearance is in [[Acts 28:11]], where Luke precisely identifies the Alexandrian ship carrying Paul from Malta as having "the Twin Brothers" (Dioscuri) as its figurehead. While *parásēmos* itself carries no direct theological weight, its inclusion by Luke is vital for demonstrating the historical accuracy and meticulousness of the Acts narrative, thereby buttressing the credibility of the biblical account. Furthermore, its context subtly highlights God's pervasive providence, demonstrating His ability to use even a ship marked with pagan symbols to fulfill His divine plan for the spread of the Gospel through His chosen apostle. It stands distinct from broader terms for "sign" (like `{{G4592}}` *sēmeion*) or "mark" (like `{{G5480}}` *charagma*), being a highly specific descriptor of maritime identification.
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