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 verb πάρειμι (G3918) is a compound word, formed from the preposition παρά (G3844), meaning "beside" or "near," and the verb εἰμί (G1510), meaning "to be" or "to exist." Etymologically, it signifies "to be alongside" or "to be near."
Its semantic range encompasses several key aspects:
1. **Physical Presence:** The most common meaning, indicating "to be present," "to be here," or "to have arrived."
2. **Temporal Presence:** Referring to "being at hand" or "the present time." The neuter present participle (πάρον, plural παρόντα) can specifically denote "the present" or "things present."
3. **Availability/Possession:** In certain contexts, particularly with the neuter plural participle, it can refer to "what is present" or "property/possessions."
4. **Lack (with negation):** When used in a negative construction (e.g., "not present"), it conveys the idea of "to lack" or "to be wanting."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πάρειμι appears approximately 24 times in the New Testament, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Physical Presence and Arrival:** This is the predominant usage. In [[Luke 13:1]], "There were *present* at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans," indicating the physical presence of individuals. Similarly, [[Acts 10:33]] states, "Now therefore are we all *here present* before God," emphasizing a gathering in a specific place. Paul frequently uses πάρειμι to contrast his physical absence with his spiritual presence or to refer to his future arrival, as seen in [[1 Corinthians 5:3]] ("absent in body, but *present* in spirit") and [[2 Corinthians 10:2]], [[2 Corinthians 10:11]], and [[Galatians 4:18]]. These instances highlight the importance of physical presence in apostolic ministry and communal life.
* **Temporal Presence and Immediacy:** The word can also denote a temporal state. In [[John 7:6]], Jesus tells His brothers, "My time is not yet *come*," meaning His appointed time is not yet "at hand." [[Hebrews 12:11]] notes, "Now no chastening for the *present* seemeth to be joyous," referring to the current, immediate experience. Likewise, [[2 Peter 1:12]] speaks of being "established in the *present* truth," emphasizing the relevance and availability of truth in the current moment.
* **The Gospel's Presence:** [[Colossians 1:6]] uses πάρειμι to describe the gospel, "which is *come* unto you, as it is in all the world," signifying the dynamic arrival, presence, and ongoing fruitfulness of the good news. This underscores the active nature of God's word in the world.
* **Lack or Absence (with negation):** A notable usage occurs in [[2 Peter 1:9]], where it is used negatively: "For he that lacketh these things [ᾧ γὰρ μὴ πάρεισιν ταῦτα, 'to whom these things are not present'] is blind." This construction demonstrates how the absence of certain spiritual qualities leads to a deficient spiritual state.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of πάρειμι is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **παρά (G3844) and εἰμί (G1510):** As its constituent parts, understanding these fundamental words deepens the comprehension of πάρειμι's core meaning of "being alongside."
* **ἀπών (G548):** This adjective means "absent" and serves as a direct antonym, frequently used in contrast with πάρειμι (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 5:3]], [[2 Corinthians 10:11]]).
* **ἔρχομαι (G2064):** Meaning "to come" or "to go," ἔρχομαι shares conceptual overlap with πάρειμι in conveying arrival or movement into a state of presence.
* **ἐγγύς (G1451):** An adverb meaning "near" or "at hand," which captures the spatial or temporal proximity inherent in πάρειμι.
* **παρουσία (G3952):** This crucial noun, meaning "presence," "coming," or "arrival," is directly derived from πάρειμι. παρουσία is famously used to describe the "coming" or "presence" of Christ, particularly His Second Advent (e.g., [[Matthew 24:3]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]]). The verbal πάρειμι provides the foundational sense of "being present" from which the noun παρουσία develops its rich theological meaning.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of πάρειμι illuminate several significant theological themes:
* **The Reality of Presence:** The consistent use of πάρειμι underscores the importance of actual, tangible presence in human relationships and divine-human interaction. Whether it is individuals being "present before God" ([[Acts 10:33]]) or an apostle being "present" with his flock, the word emphasizes the reality and impact of physical or spiritual proximity.
* **Apostolic Ministry and Community:** Paul's frequent use of πάρειμι in his letters highlights the pastoral significance of his physical presence among the churches. While he could minister from afar through letters and in spirit, his desire to be "present" ([[2 Corinthians 10:2]], [[Galatians 4:18]]) speaks to the relational and incarnational nature of ministry, where personal engagement fosters spiritual growth and addresses issues directly.
* **The Immediacy of God's Work:** References to "the present time" ([[Hebrews 12:11]]) or "present truth" ([[2 Peter 1:12]]) call believers to an awareness of God's active involvement in the *now*. It encourages engagement with divine discipline and adherence to revealed truth in the current moment, rather than deferring spiritual responsibilities.
* **The Dynamic Spread of the Gospel:** The description of the gospel having "come" ([[Colossians 1:6]]) and bearing fruit universally emphasizes its inherent power and active nature. The gospel is not static but a dynamic force that establishes its presence wherever it is proclaimed and received.
* **The Necessity of Spiritual Virtues:** The negative use in [[2 Peter 1:9]], describing those "who lack these things," profoundly highlights the critical importance of Christian virtues (faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love) being *present* in a believer's life. Their absence leads to spiritual blindness and ineffectiveness.
### Summary
πάρειμι (G3918) is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to be near," "to be present," or "to be at hand." It conveys physical presence, temporal immediacy, and can, in negative constructions, signify a lack. Its New Testament usage provides insight into the importance of physical and spiritual presence in apostolic ministry, the dynamic reality of the gospel's spread, the urgency of engaging with God's truth in the present moment, and the vital necessity of spiritual virtues being "present" in the life of a believer. As the verbal root of παρουσία (G3952), πάρειμι firmly grounds the theological concept of "presence" and "coming," particularly in relation to Christ's anticipated return.
TRV