### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παρίημι (paríēmi), `{{G3935}}`, is a compound verb formed from the preposition παρά (pará), `{{G3844}}`, meaning "beside," "by," or "from," and ἵημι (hiemi), a verb root meaning "to send" or "to let go." The combination inherently suggests a sense of letting something go *down* or *by*. Its core meaning is "to let by," which extends to "to relax," "to loosen," or "to let hang down." This can refer to a literal physical state, such as limbs that are limp or drooping, or it can be employed metaphorically to describe a state of weariness, discouragement, or lack of resolve. The primary sense conveyed is a loss of tension, vigor, or uprightness, leading to a relaxed or fallen posture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρίημι (`{{G3935}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **Hebrews 12:12**: "Therefore, strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees." (διὸ τὰς παρειμένας χεῖρας καὶ τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα ἀνορθώσατε).
In this verse, παρειμένας is the perfect passive participle of παρίημι, modifying χεῖρας (hands). The phrase "drooping hands" (παρειμένας χεῖρας) vividly depicts a state of physical exhaustion or spiritual weariness. The context of Hebrews 12 is crucial: the author has just exhorted believers to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" ([[Hebrews 12:1]]) and to consider Christ's suffering ([[Hebrews 12:2-3]]). He then discusses divine discipline, explaining that God disciplines those He loves ([[Hebrews 12:5-11]]). The call to "strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees" is an imperative to overcome spiritual fatigue and discouragement that might arise from trials or discipline. It is an exhortation to renewed vigor, perseverance, and steadfastness in faith, rather than succumbing to spiritual lethargy or despondency. The imagery is drawn from athletic or military contexts where hands and knees are essential for performance and stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of παρίημι (`{{G3935}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to other words and broader biblical concepts:
* **ἵημι (hiemi)**: While not a standalone Strong's number, this root is foundational to many Greek verbs expressing motion or letting go (e.g., ἀφίημι `{{G863}}` - to send away, forgive; ἐφίημι - to send to, permit). The "letting go" aspect is key to παρίημι's meaning of relaxation or drooping.
* **παραλύω (paralýō), `{{G3886}}`**: This word, meaning "to unloose," "to weaken," or "to paralyze," appears alongside παρίημι in [[Hebrews 12:12]] ("weak knees" - τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα). The semantic overlap highlights a shared concept of debilitation or loss of strength, whether physical or spiritual.
* **ἀνορθόω (anorthóō), `{{G461}}`**: This verb, meaning "to straighten up," "to restore," or "to set upright," is the direct antonym in [[Hebrews 12:12]], where believers are commanded to "strengthen" (ἀνορθώσατε) their drooping hands and weak knees. It signifies a restoration of vigor and proper posture.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The imagery of strengthening "weak hands" or "feeble knees" is also found in the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic calls for encouragement during times of distress or impending divine action. For instance, [[Isaiah 35:3]] states, "Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees." This demonstrates a consistent biblical motif of spiritual and physical renewal in the face of adversity.
* **Concepts of Endurance and Perseverance**: παρίημι (`{{G3935}}`) is inherently linked to the broader New Testament emphasis on *hupomonē* (endurance/patience, `{{G5281}}`) and *proskarterēsis* (perseverance, `{{G4343}}`). The "drooping hands" represent a failure in these virtues, while the command to strengthen them is a call to renewed commitment.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of παρίημι (`{{G3935}}`) in [[Hebrews 12:12]] carries profound theological weight within the context of Christian discipleship and the nature of divine discipline.
1. **The Reality of Spiritual Fatigue**: The word acknowledges the very real human experience of weariness, discouragement, and spiritual exhaustion in the Christian life. Believers, like athletes in a long race, can become disheartened by trials, opposition, or the perceived harshness of God's discipline. "Drooping hands" symbolize a loss of spiritual energy, a slackening of effort, and a potential abandonment of the race of faith.
2. **The Call to Renewed Vigor**: The command to "strengthen" what has "drooped" is a divine imperative for active spiritual renewal. It is not a passive waiting for strength, but an active pursuit of it. This strengthening comes from fixing one's eyes on Jesus ([[Hebrews 12:2]]), understanding the redemptive purpose of discipline ([[Hebrews 12:10-11]]), and embracing the peaceable fruit of righteousness. It implies a conscious decision to overcome despondency and re-engage with spiritual disciplines and the pursuit of holiness.
3. **The Purpose of Discipline**: Within the immediate context, the "drooping hands" are a potential outcome of misunderstanding or resisting God's discipline. The author emphasizes that divine discipline is a sign of sonship and an act of love, designed to lead believers to holiness ([[Hebrews 12:7-11]]). The call to strengthen oneself is therefore a call to respond rightly to this discipline, allowing it to produce righteousness rather than causing despair.
4. **Community and Mutual Encouragement**: While the command is individual, the broader context of Hebrews speaks to a community of faith. The exhortation to "strengthen" implies a need for mutual encouragement and support within the body of Christ, preventing fellow believers from succumbing to spiritual weariness.
### Summary
παρίημι (`{{G3935}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to let by," "to relax," or "to let hang down." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 12:12]], in the phrase "drooping hands" (παρειμένας χεῖρας), powerfully depicts a state of spiritual weariness, discouragement, or loss of resolve. In the context of divine discipline and the race of faith, the command to "strengthen" these drooping hands serves as a vital call to renewed spiritual vigor and perseverance. The word underscores the reality of spiritual fatigue among believers and the imperative to actively combat it by embracing God's purposes, fixing one's gaze on Christ, and diligently pursuing holiness, rather than succumbing to despondency. It points to the necessity of active engagement in the Christian life, resisting the tendency to "let down" one's spiritual guard or effort.
TRV