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 **parérchomai**, represented by `{{G3928}}`, is formed from the words παρά and ἔρχομαι. It broadly means to come near, go by, or pass away. It is used both literally for physical movement and figuratively for concepts like perishing, being neglected, or transgressing a command. This word appears **38 times** across **27 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3928}}` is used in several key contexts. It frequently describes the finite nature of the current created order, as seen in the declaration that "Heaven and earth shall pass away" [[Matthew 24:35]]. The term also carries a profound spiritual meaning, signifying the transformation in a believer where "old things are passed away" [[2 Corinthians 5:17]]. It can denote moral failure through neglect, as when the Pharisees "pass over judgment and the love of God" [[Luke 11:42]]. In Gethsemane, Jesus uses the word to pray that the cup of suffering might "pass" from him [[Matthew 26:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words, often built on the same root, clarify the concept of movement:
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): As a root verb for `{{G3928}}`, it establishes the foundational idea of motion. It is used for Jesus's mission, as when he states he has "come" to seek and to save that which was lost [[Luke 19:10]].
* `{{G565}}` **apérchomai** (to go off, depart, pass away): This word signifies a departure or moving away from a location or state, as seen when the disciples "went away" back [[John 6:66]] or when former things "are passed away" in the new creation [[Revelation 21:4]].
* `{{G4334}}` **prosérchomai** (to approach, come near): This term describes movement toward someone or something, often used for drawing near to God in faith [[Hebrews 11:6]] or for the disciples coming to Jesus [[Matthew 14:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3928}}` is significant, highlighting contrasts between the temporary and the eternal.
* **Permanence vs. Transience:** The word is central to Jesus' teaching on the authority of His own words. He sets up a direct contrast: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" [[Matthew 24:35]], establishing the eternal nature of His revelation over the transient physical world.
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The term marks a point of cosmic transition. The old creation, described as "the first heaven and the first earth," must be "passed away" before the new can be established [[Revelation 21:1]]. Similarly, not one part of the law will "pass" until all is fulfilled [[Matthew 5:18]].
* **Spiritual Regeneration:** For the individual believer, `{{G3928}}` describes the definitive end of their old life. In one of the most powerful statements of Christian transformation, Paul writes that for one in Christ, "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" [[2 Corinthians 5:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3928}}` is a versatile word that extends beyond a simple definition of movement. It encompasses the literal act of going past a location, the moral failure of neglecting a command, and the eschatological passing of the entire created order. Ultimately, its use in Scripture serves to contrast the temporary nature of human life and the physical world with the eternal permanence of God's Word and the new creation He promises.
TRV