παρατίθημι

paratíthēmi /par-at-ith'-ay-mee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom παρά and τίθημι
Meaningto place alongside, i.e. present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
KJV usageallege, commend, commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word paratíthēmi, represented by G3908, means to place alongside or present, and by implication, to deposit something as a trust or for protection. It appears 22 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning encompasses the literal act of setting food before someone, the presentation of truth, and the solemn act of entrusting something of value to another's care.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3908 is used in several distinct ways. It describes the physical act of serving food, as when the disciples were instructed to set before the multitude the loaves and fishes Mark 6:41. It is also used for presenting truth, such as when Jesus put... forth parables to the crowds to explain the kingdom of heaven Matthew 13:24. The most significant use involves entrusting or commending something for safekeeping. Paul commits a charge to Timothy 1 Timothy 1:18, and in his final moments, Jesus commends his spirit into the Father's hands Luke 23:46.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of paratíthēmi:

  • G1325 dídōmi (to give): This word often precedes the action of G3908. In the feeding of the multitude, Jesus first gave G1325 the loaves to the disciples, who were then to set before G3908 the people, showing the connection between receiving a gift and presenting it to others Luke 9:16.
  • G1272 dianoígō (to open thoroughly, to expound): This term is paired with G3908 in the context of proclaiming truth. Paul was opening G1272 the scriptures and alleging G3908 from them that Jesus was the Christ, linking the act of explaining with the act of presenting evidence Acts 17:3.
  • G4100 pisteúō (to have faith, to entrust): The act of commending is rooted in faith. After ordaining elders, the apostles commended G3908 them to the Lord, on whom they believed G4100, demonstrating that entrusting someone to God is an expression of faith Acts 14:23.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3908 is significant, highlighting key aspects of the Christian faith.

  • Divine Stewardship: The word establishes a principle of responsibility for what has been entrusted. Those to whom much has been committed G3908 will have much required of them Luke 12:48. This is seen in Paul's instruction to commit G3908 sound doctrine to faithful men who can teach others 2 Timothy 2:2.
  • Entrusting to God: A core theme is the act of placing one's complete trust in God. Paul commends the Ephesian elders to God and the word of His grace, which is able to build them up Acts 20:32. Likewise, believers who suffer are to commit their souls to a faithful Creator 1 Peter 4:19.
  • Presenting the Gospel: G3908 is used to describe the act of setting forth divine truth for consideration. Jesus put... forth parables to reveal mysteries of the kingdom Matthew 13:31, and Paul was alleging the truth about Christ's suffering and resurrection Acts 17:3.

Summary

In summary, paratíthēmi G3908 moves beyond the simple idea of placing an object. It conveys the sacred responsibility of stewardship, the profound trust required to commend one's life to God, and the vital work of presenting spiritual truth. Whether it is a meal being set before the hungry Acts 16:34 or the gospel being committed to the next generation 2 Timothy 2:2, the word underscores an active and purposeful placement based on trust and faith.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Present Middle Indicative 1st Singular 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
  • Present Middle Imperative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 18 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Luke (5 verses).

2
Matthew
3
Mark
5
Luke
4
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
1
1 Timothy
1
2 Timothy
1
1 Peter

Verse Explorer

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