### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term πάροδος (G3938, *párodos*) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (`{{G3844}}`, *pará*), meaning "beside, by, along," and the noun ὁδός (`{{G3598}}`, *hodós*), meaning "way, road, journey." Etymologically, it signifies "a way alongside" or "a by-road." However, its semantic range extends beyond a mere physical path. The definition provided indicates an active sense: "a route" or, more dynamically, "a passing through." This active nuance is crucial, suggesting not just a static path but the act of movement along such a path. Thus, *párodos* can refer to the act of "passing by" or "a passage."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πάροδος (G3938) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 18:36]]**: "And hearing a multitude passing by, he inquired what this meant." (KJV: "And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it might be.")
In this solitary occurrence, *párodos* describes the movement of a large crowd. The context is the healing of the blind beggar Bartimaeus near Jericho. Bartimaeus, sitting by the road, hears the commotion of a "multitude passing by" (*párodos*). The word here clearly functions in its active sense, denoting the *act* of passage or the *way* of passage of the crowd, rather than a specific physical by-road. It signifies the dynamic movement of people along the main road. This passing by is the catalyst for Bartimaeus's inquiry and subsequent encounter with Jesus, highlighting a moment of divine opportunity amidst an ordinary procession.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of πάροδος (G3938) is ὁδός (`{{G3598}}`), meaning "way, road, journey." This foundational word is extensively used in the New Testament, often metaphorically for a way of life, a moral path, or even the way to salvation (e.g., "the Way" as a designation for early Christianity). The prefix παρά (`{{G3844}}`) denotes proximity, alongside, or beyond, giving *párodos* the sense of a movement *alongside* or *through* a path.
Other related concepts include:
* Words of movement: ἔρχομαι (`{{G2064}}`, "to come, go"), πορεύομαι (`{{G4198}}`, "to go, journey"), διέρχομαι (`{{G1330}}`, "to pass through").
* Concepts of opportunity: The "passing by" of a person or event often creates a kairos moment, a divinely appointed time for action or encounter.
### Theological Significance
Though *párodos* appears only once, its theological significance is embedded in the narrative of [[Luke 18:36]]. The "passing by" of the multitude, which includes Jesus, represents a crucial moment of divine accessibility and opportunity for the blind man.
1. **Divine Appointment**: The "passing by" is not random but a divinely orchestrated event that brings Jesus within earshot and reach of Bartimaeus. It underscores the active, moving presence of God in the world, often encountered in the midst of daily life's "passages."
2. **Accessibility of Christ**: The blind man, marginalized and physically limited, is able to hear and respond to the "passing by" of the crowd and, more importantly, Jesus. This highlights Jesus' willingness to encounter and heal those on the periphery, even as he is on "the way" to Jerusalem and his ultimate sacrifice.
3. **The Call to Respond**: The act of "passing by" serves as a prompt for Bartimaeus's faith-filled cry. It demonstrates that even a momentary "passage" can be a profound moment requiring immediate spiritual discernment and response. The word, though simple, thus points to the dynamic nature of God's interaction with humanity, often manifesting in transient, yet pivotal, moments.
### Summary
The Greek word πάροδος (G3938, *párodos*), derived from παρά (beside) and ὁδός (way), literally means "a by-road" but is primarily used in its active sense to denote "a passing through" or "a route." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 18:36]] describes the "multitude passing by," a pivotal moment for the blind Bartimaeus. In this context, *párodos* highlights the dynamic movement of people, including Jesus, which creates an opportunity for divine encounter and healing. While a seemingly simple term, it underscores the accessibility of Christ and the importance of recognizing and responding to moments of divine appointment as God's presence "passes by" in our lives.
TRV