The Greek word páresis, represented by G3929, means praetermission, i.e. toleration:--remission. This specific term is exceptionally rare in the biblical text. It appears only 1 times across 1 unique verses, making its single usage highly significant for understanding its theological role.
The sole appearance of G3929 is in Romans 3:25, where it describes God's handling of sins committed before the atoning work of Christ. The verse states that God set forth Christ as a propitiation to declare His righteousness "for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" Romans 3:25. In this context, páresis refers not to a final cancellation, but a "passing over" or temporary setting aside of sins, demonstrating God's patience.
Several related Greek words from its context in Romans 3:25 are crucial for understanding its meaning:
- G463 anochḗ (forbearance): This word, defined as self-restraint, i.e. tolerance, is the direct mechanism through which the "remission" or passing over of sins occurred Romans 3:25. It appears again in Romans 2:4, linked to God's goodness and longsuffering.
- G265 hamártēma (sin): Defined as a sin (properly concrete), this is what is being passed over by God. The use of páresis is specifically in relation to "sins that are past" Romans 3:25.
- G2435 hilastḗrion (propitiation): This term means an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple):--mercyseat, propitiation. Christ is presented as the propitiation that deals with the sins God had previously passed over Romans 3:25.
- G1343 dikaiosýnē (righteousness): Defined as equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness, this is what God demonstrates. The act of páresis followed by the propitiation of Christ was to declare God's own righteousness Romans 3:25.
The theological weight of G3929 is centered on the justice and mercy of God.
- Divine Forbearance: The concept of páresis is inextricably linked to God's forbearance G463. It explains how a perfectly righteous God could tolerate sin in past generations without immediately executing full judgment Romans 3:25.
- A Provisional Act: The term implies a temporary "passing over" rather than a final pardon. This demonstrates that God's justice required a future payment for those past sins G265, which was fulfilled in Christ.
- Vindication of God's Righteousness: The ultimate purpose of this "passing over" was to set the stage for a perfect demonstration of God's righteousness G1343 through the sacrifice of Christ as the propitiation G2435 for all sin, past and present Romans 3:25.
In summary, G3929 is a precise theological term that clarifies how God justly dealt with humanity's sin before the cross. It signifies a "passing over" of past offenses, an act rooted in His forbearance G463. This divine act of toleration was not a dismissal of sin, but a provisional measure that awaited its ultimate and righteous resolution through Christ's work as the propitiation G2435, thereby vindicating the righteousness G1343 of God.
TRV