### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paratynchánō**, represented by `{{G3909}}`, means to chance near or to fall in with. It is derived from the words παρά and τυγχάνω. This term is quite rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a specific picture of a casual, unplanned encounter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3909}}` is in [[Acts 17:17]], which describes Paul's ministry in the market. The verse states that he "disputed he... in the market daily with them that **met with him**." This context shows Paul engaging not with a scheduled assembly, but with the random individuals he happened to encounter in a public thoroughfare. The word captures the spontaneous nature of his daily outreach to the general populace.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words in the surrounding text of [[Acts 17:17]] help clarify the meaning of this chance encounter:
* `{{G1256}}` **dialégomai** (dispute, preach, reason with): This word describes the action Paul took with those he met. The encounter was not a simple greeting but an opportunity to discuss and reason, as its definition is "to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation)".
* `{{G58}}` **agorá** (market-place, street): This is the location of the encounter, defined as a "town-square (as a place of public resort)". It establishes the setting as a public, non-religious space, open to all.
* `{{G4576}}` **sébomai** (devout, religious, worship): Paul also disputed with "devout persons." The term, meaning "to revere, i.e. adore," describes a specific group, but his engagement with those he **met with** `{{G3909}}` suggests his audience extended beyond this group to any passerby.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G3909}}` carries insight into the practice of early evangelism.
* **Public Ministry:** The word's context in the market `{{G58}}` demonstrates that sharing the gospel was not limited to the synagogue. It was a public activity, taken to the center of civic life as seen in [[Acts 17:17]].
* **Opportunistic Engagement:** **paratynchánō** implies a ministry that is ready and willing to engage with anyone who happens to cross its path. Paul reasoned daily with whomever he "fell in with" [[Acts 17:17]], showing a flexible and ever-present evangelistic posture.
* **Substantive Conversation:** The encounters, though casual in their origin, led to substantial discussion. Paul would **dispute** or reason `{{G1256}}` with those he met, turning a chance meeting into a meaningful spiritual dialogue.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3909}}` is more than a simple term for an accidental meeting. It encapsulates a model of ministry characterized by daily, public, and spontaneous engagement. Though used only once, its appearance in [[Acts 17:17]] provides a valuable snapshot of an apostolic method that took the gospel into the marketplace, ready to reason with anyone who would "fall in with" the message. It illustrates how even a rare word can illuminate a significant aspect of biblical practice.
TRV