### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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