from παρά and ἔρχομαι; to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert:--come (forth), go, pass (away, by, over), past, transgress.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, `{{G3928}}`) is a compound verb derived from παρά (para, "beside," "alongside") and ἔρχομαι (erchomai, "to come," "to go"). This etymology immediately suggests a core meaning related to movement in proximity to something or someone, specifically "to come alongside," "to go past," or "to pass by." Its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing both literal and figurative applications.
Literally, παρέρχομαι can denote:
1. **Physical Movement:** To approach, arrive, or come near. Conversely, it can mean to go past, move away from, or depart. This includes movement in space, such as a person passing by a location or another individual.
2. **Temporal Movement:** To pass away, expire, or cease to exist. This usage often refers to the transience of time, events, or even the created order.
Figuratively, the word extends to:
1. **Perishing or Vanishing:** To come to an end, to be abolished, or to become obsolete. This is a direct extension of its temporal sense.
2. **Neglect or Disregard:** To "pass by" a command, a person in need, or an opportunity, implying a failure to heed, attend to, or act upon.
3. **Transgression:** To go beyond a boundary, a rule, or a doctrine, indicating a deviation or violation.
4. **Aversion (Causative):** In a causative sense, to cause something to pass by or be averted, often referring to the removal of a difficulty or suffering.
The dynamic nature of παρέρχομαι allows it to convey nuances from gentle passing to definitive cessation, from proximity to departure, and from adherence to transgression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The versatility of παρέρχομαι is evident in its diverse biblical applications:
1. **The Immutability of God's Word vs. the Transience of Creation:** One of its most profound uses contrasts the passing away of the heavens and earth with the enduring nature of Christ's words. In [[Matthew 24:35]], [[Mark 13:31]], and [[Luke 21:33]], Jesus declares, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." This highlights the eternal reliability and authority of divine revelation against the backdrop of a temporal, created order. Similarly, [[Matthew 5:18]] states that not one jot or tittle of the Law will "pass away" until all is accomplished, underscoring the Law's divine origin and ultimate fulfillment.
2. **Jesus' Movement and Authority:** The verb describes Jesus' physical movements, often with theological significance. In [[Mark 6:48]], Jesus "was passing by" the disciples on the sea, walking on the water, a demonstration of his divine power and sovereignty over creation, revealing Himself in a moment of their distress. His passing by the fig tree in [[Mark 11:20]] is a literal action leading to a symbolic lesson on faith and fruitfulness.
3. **Ethical Neglect and Compassion:** The parable of the Good Samaritan employs παρέρχομαι to depict moral failure. Both the priest and the Levite "passed by" ([[Luke 10:31-32]]) the injured man, illustrating their lack of compassion and failure to act in accordance with the Law's spirit. This usage emphasizes the ethical imperative to engage with and care for those in need, rather than to disregard them.
4. **Averting Suffering:** In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done" ([[Luke 22:42]]). The phrase "remove this cup" uses παρέρχομαι (or a cognate form in some manuscripts), signifying a desire for the impending suffering to "pass away" or be averted. This reveals the depth of Christ's human struggle and his ultimate submission to the Father's will. Similar expressions are found in [[Matthew 26:39]] and [[Mark 14:35]].
5. **Doctrinal Transgression:** In [[2 John 1:9]], the apostle warns against anyone who "goes beyond" (transgresses) and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ. Here, παρέρχομαι signifies a deviation from established truth, a departure from sound teaching, leading to a loss of fellowship with God. This underscores the importance of doctrinal fidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of παρέρχομαι is illuminated by its relationship with other Greek terms:
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`):** The root verb meaning "to come" or "to go." παρέρχομαι adds the nuance of "alongside" or "past."
* **διέρχομαι (dierchomai, `{{G1330}}`):** "To go through," "to pass through." While παρέρχομαι often implies passing *by* or *away*, διέρχομαι emphasizes movement *through* a space or experience.
* **ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai, `{{G565}}`):** "To go away," "to depart." This term focuses on the act of leaving, whereas παρέρχομαι can encompass both approaching and departing, or simply the act of passing.
* **μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`):** "To remain," "to abide," "to endure." This is a conceptual antonym, particularly when παρέρχομαι refers to passing away. The contrast between what "passes away" (παρέρχομαι) and what "remains" (μένω) is central to eschatological discussions.
* **ὑπομένω (hypomenō, `{{G5278}}`):** "To remain under," "to endure," "to persevere." This term also stands in contrast to the idea of perishing or passing away, emphasizing steadfastness.
Conceptually, παρέρχομαι is linked to themes of:
* **Temporality and Eternity:** The transient nature of creation versus the eternal nature of God and His word.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Christ's control over natural elements and His submission to the Father's will.
* **Human Responsibility:** The ethical call to compassion and the danger of spiritual transgression.
* **Eschatology:** The ultimate dissolution of the present world order and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παρέρχομαι is profound, contributing to several key doctrines:
1. **The Immutability of God's Word:** The repeated assertion that "heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" ([[Matthew 24:35]]) establishes a foundational truth about divine revelation. It underscores the absolute reliability, eternal truth, and enduring power of Christ's teachings, contrasting them with the ephemeral nature of the created cosmos. This provides a bedrock of certainty for faith.
2. **The Nature of Creation and Eschatology:** The concept of creation "passing away" points to its inherent finitude and serves as a theological signpost towards the eschatological hope of a new heaven and new earth. It reminds believers that the present order is not ultimate, but a temporary stage in God's redemptive plan, ultimately giving way to His eternal kingdom.
3. **The Humanity and Divinity of Christ:** Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane for the cup to "pass from Him" ([[Matthew 26:39]]) profoundly illustrates His true humanity, revealing His natural aversion to suffering and death. Yet, His subsequent submission, "not my will, but yours," simultaneously highlights His divine obedience and commitment to the Father's redemptive plan. His ability to "pass by" on the sea ([[Mark 6:48]]) further demonstrates His divine authority over creation.
4. **Ethical Imperatives of the Kingdom:** The use of παρέρχομαι in the parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:31-32]]) carries significant ethical weight. It condemns passive indifference and highlights the moral culpability of those who "pass by" a neighbor in need. This challenges believers to active, compassionate engagement, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel.
5. **The Importance of Doctrinal Fidelity:** The warning in [[2 John 1:9]] against "transgressing" (passing beyond) the doctrine of Christ emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to revealed truth. It underscores that deviation from sound doctrine is not merely an intellectual error but a spiritual departure that can sever fellowship with God, highlighting the sanctity of divine revelation.
### Summary
The Greek word παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, `{{G3928}}`) is a rich and dynamic verb meaning "to come alongside," "to go past," or "to pass by." Its semantic range extends from literal physical movement and temporal passing to figurative concepts of perishing, neglect, transgression, and averting. Biblically, it serves to powerfully contrast the transient nature of heaven and earth with the immutable, eternal truth of God's word and Christ's teachings ([[Matthew 24:35]]). It illuminates Christ's divine authority and His profound human submission in suffering ([[Mark 6:48]], [[Matthew 26:39]]). Furthermore, παρέρχομαι carries significant ethical weight, condemning the neglect of those in need ([[Luke 10:31-32]]) and underscoring the danger of doctrinal deviation ([[2 John 1:9]]). Thus, παρέρχομαι is not merely a descriptor of movement but a theological concept that underscores divine permanence, human responsibility, and the eschatological trajectory of creation.
TRV