### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3926 parenochléō (παρενοχλέω) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para) and the verb ἐνοχλέω (enochleō). The base verb ἐνοχλέω itself is formed from ἐν (en) meaning "in" and ὄχλος (ochlos) meaning "crowd" or "multitude," giving ἐνοχλέω the sense of "to be in a crowd," "to crowd upon," and by extension, "to annoy, trouble, vex, or molest." The prefix παρά (para) can convey various nuances, including "beside, alongside," "beyond," or "contrary to," but in composition, it often intensifies the action or implies an addition or deviation. In the context of parenochléō, it suggests "to harass further," "to trouble in addition," or "to burden excessively." Thus, the core meaning of G3926 parenochléō is "to trouble, annoy, or harass, especially by imposing additional or undue burdens." It implies causing distress or vexation through an ongoing or intensified action. Its rarity in the New Testament makes its single occurrence particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G3926 parenochléō appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 15:19]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the pivotal narrative of the Jerusalem Council, where the early church leaders debated the requirements for Gentile converts to Christianity. James, the brother of the Lord, delivers a decisive judgment, stating, "Therefore my judgment is that we should not *trouble* those of the Gentiles who turn to God."
In this context, the word "trouble" (παρενοχλέω) carries profound theological and practical implications. The debate centered on whether Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law, particularly its dietary regulations, to be considered true followers of Christ. By using parenochléō, James argues against imposing these traditional Jewish requirements upon new Gentile converts. To "trouble" them would mean to inflict unnecessary burdens, to create obstacles to their faith, and to demand adherence to practices that were not essential for salvation through Christ. The implication is that such requirements would be an *additional* and *undue* vexation, hindering their integration into the nascent Christian community and potentially obscuring the simplicity of the Gospel message of grace. This decision liberated Gentile believers from a legalistic yoke and underscored the universality of the Christian faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate G3926 parenochléō, it is helpful to consider related terms and concepts:
* **G2350 thlibō (θλίβω):** To press, oppress, afflict, or distress. While parenochléō implies an active imposition of burdens, thlibō often describes the experience of being under pressure or suffering tribulation (G2346 thlipsis).
* **G2659 kataponeō (καταπονέω):** To be worn down, oppressed, or harassed, as seen in [[2 Peter 2:7]] regarding Lot's distress by the lawless deeds of Sodom. This term shares the sense of being burdened, but parenochléō focuses on the act of causing that burden.
* **G3986 peirazō (πειράζω):** To test, tempt, or try. While temptation can be a form of spiritual harassment, peirazō carries a broader semantic range related to proving or enticing.
* **G3959 perispao (περισπάω):** To distract or be distracted with much serving, as Martha was in [[Luke 10:40]]. This relates to being troubled by cares, but it is an internal distraction rather than an external imposition of burdens.
* **Legalism:** The concept of parenochléō directly opposes legalism, which is the belief that salvation or righteousness comes through adherence to a system of laws and works, rather than by grace through faith.
* **Christian Liberty:** The decision at the Jerusalem Council, articulated by James using parenochléō, is a foundational declaration of Christian liberty, particularly for Gentiles, from the ceremonial law.
* **Unity in the Body of Christ:** Avoiding parenochléō was crucial for fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, preventing division based on cultural or religious practices not essential to the Gospel.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G3926 parenochléō in [[Acts 15:19]] carries immense theological weight for the early church and for subsequent Christian history.
1. **Affirmation of Grace:** James's statement powerfully affirms the principle of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than by works of the Mosaic Law. To "trouble" Gentile converts with legal requirements would undermine the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work and the free gift of salvation.
2. **Gentile Inclusion:** This word marks a pivotal moment in the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins. It signifies the full and unconditional inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes first. This decision removed a significant barrier to evangelism and demonstrated God's universal redemptive plan.
3. **Pastoral Wisdom and Discernment:** The use of parenochléō reflects a profound pastoral wisdom. The apostles and elders recognized the difference between essential Christian living (e.g., abstaining from idolatry, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood, as mentioned in [[Acts 15:20]]) and cultural or ceremonial practices that could become unnecessary burdens for new believers. It teaches the church to be discerning about what truly constitutes a barrier to faith and fellowship.
4. **Unity and Avoidance of Division:** By choosing not to "trouble" the Gentiles, the council prioritized unity within the diverse body of Christ. Imposing the Law would have created a two-tiered Christianity or an insurmountable chasm between Jewish and Gentile believers. The decision fostered harmonious fellowship grounded in shared faith in Christ.
5. **The Spirit's Guidance:** The outcome of the council, which included the use of parenochléō, was explicitly attributed to the guidance of the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 15:28]]). This underscores that the understanding of Christian liberty and the inclusion of Gentiles was divinely revealed and orchestrated.
### Summary
The Greek word G3926 parenochléō (παρενοχλέω) means "to trouble, annoy, or harass, especially by imposing additional or undue burdens." Its singular, yet profoundly significant, appearance in [[Acts 15:19]] encapsulates a foundational theological truth of the early church. In the context of the Jerusalem Council, James's use of this term decisively ruled against burdening Gentile converts with the requirements of the Mosaic Law. This decision affirmed the grace-based nature of salvation, ensured the full inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, demonstrated essential pastoral wisdom, and fostered unity within the nascent church. Parenochléō thus stands as a powerful reminder of Christian liberty and the simplicity of the Gospel, urging believers to avoid placing unnecessary obstacles in the path of those who turn to God.
TRV