from παρά and εἰμί (including its various forms); to be near, i.e. at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property:--come, X have, be here, + lack, (be here) present.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **páreimi**, represented by `{{G3918}}`, means to be near or at hand. It appears 25 times in 22 unique verses. Derived from the words παρά and εἰμί, its meaning extends beyond simple location to encompass concepts of being present, having come, possessing property, or even to lack something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3918}}` is frequently used by the apostle Paul to contrast physical presence with spiritual reality, such as being "absent in body, but present in spirit" [[1 Corinthians 5:3]]. It also marks the arrival of significant individuals, as when Mary is told, "The Master is come" [[John 11:28]], or when missionaries are accused of having "come hither" to disrupt a city [[Acts 17:6]]. The term is also used in a temporal sense to refer to "the present" time, distinguishing current circumstances from future outcomes [[Hebrews 12:11]] or establishing the importance of "the present truth" [[2 Peter 1:12]]. Finally, it can describe possession, as in being content with "such things as ye have" [[Hebrews 13:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of presence and arrival:
* `{{G548}}` **ápeimi** (to be away): This word is the direct antonym of `{{G3918}}` and is often used in contrast to it. Paul employs this pairing to discuss his state of being "absent" while still being spiritually present with the church ([[2 Corinthians 13:2]], [[2 Corinthians 13:10]]).
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): A more general term for arrival, it is used to describe the brethren who "came" from Macedonia to supply Paul's needs [[2 Corinthians 11:9]] and is also used by Paul when discussing his plans to "come" to Corinth [[2 Corinthians 13:2]].
* `{{G3854}}` **paragínomai** (to become near, i.e. approach): This word emphasizes the act of arriving or appearing publicly. It is used when wise men "came" from the east to Jerusalem [[Matthew 2:1]] and describes Christ "being come" as a high priest [[Hebrews 9:11]].
* `{{G5302}}` **hysteréō** (to fall short, be deficient): This term connects to the sense of "lacking" that `{{G3918}}` can imply. It is used when Paul "wanted" while in Corinth [[2 Corinthians 11:9]] and in the statement that all have sinned and "come short" of God's glory [[Romans 3:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological applications of `{{G3918}}` are significant and varied.
* **Presence in the Community:** The distinction between being physically "present" and spiritually "present" establishes a key tenet of Christian fellowship—that believers are united in spirit regardless of physical distance [[1 Corinthians 5:3]]. Paul asserts his authority and judgment "as though I were present" to address sin within the church.
* **The Importance of the Present:** The word highlights the spiritual significance of the current moment. Disciplinary "chastening for the present," though grievous, yields righteousness [[Hebrews 12:11]]. Believers are to be established in "the present truth," indicating the active, current reality of their faith [[2 Peter 1:12]].
* **Divine Provision and Contentment:** `{{G3918}}` is linked to God's faithfulness. Believers are called to be content with what they "have" because of the promise that God will never forsake them, connecting present provision with God's constant presence [[Hebrews 13:5]].
* **Lacking True Understanding:** In a negative sense, the word is used to describe a spiritual deficiency. One who "lacketh" certain virtues is described as blind and having forgotten their purification from sin [[2 Peter 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3918}}` is a dynamic term that signifies more than mere physical proximity. It is used to explore the relationship between the physical and spiritual, the temporal and eternal, and possession and lack. From Paul's state of being "present in spirit" to the command to be content with what one "has," **páreimi** illustrates how the concept of what is "at hand" is central to Christian conduct, community, and confidence in God's provision.
TRV