from a compound of παρά and perhaps a derivative of οἴομαι; apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e. (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration:--parable, proverb.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3942}}` (paroimía) is derived from παρά (para), meaning "alongside" or "beside," and possibly a derivative of οἴομαι (oiomai), "to suppose" or "to think." This etymology suggests a saying that runs "alongside" or "beside" a common thought, often implying something that requires further consideration or interpretation. Its core meaning encompasses an "adage," a "proverb," or an "enigmatical or fictitious illustration." Unlike `{{G3850}}` (parabolē), which often refers to a simple comparison or illustrative story, paroimía frequently carries a connotation of obscurity, a deeper meaning, or a figurative expression that is not immediately obvious to the listener. It can denote a saying that is veiled, indirect, or requires spiritual insight to fully comprehend.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G3942}}` appears four times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of John, with one instance in 2 Peter.
1. **[[John 10:6]]**: After Jesus describes Himself as the "door of the sheep" and the "good shepherd," the evangelist notes, "This paroimía Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what He was saying to them." Here, paroimía clearly refers to an allegorical saying or figure of speech that was not readily grasped by the audience. It functions as a veiled truth, requiring spiritual discernment.
2. **[[John 16:25]]**: Jesus tells His disciples, "These things I have spoken to you in paroimía (proverbs/figurative language); the hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in paroimía, but will tell you plainly about the Father." This verse highlights the temporary nature of Jesus' veiled teaching, promising a time of clearer revelation. The use of paroimía here indicates a mode of discourse that is indirect or symbolic.
3. **[[John 16:29]]**: The disciples respond to Jesus, "Look, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a paroimía." This confirms their understanding that Jesus had previously used a form of speech that was less direct or more enigmatic. The contrast between speaking "in paroimía" and speaking "plainly" is central to understanding the term in John.
4. **[[2 Peter 2:22]]**: Peter describes false teachers who have returned to their former ways, stating, "It has happened to them according to the true paroimía (proverb): 'A dog returns to his own vomit,' and, 'A sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.'" In this context, paroimía refers to a well-known, established proverb, specifically quoting [[Proverbs 26:11]] (which uses the Hebrew `{{H4912}}` (mashal)). Here, it signifies a common adage expressing a moral truth, reflecting the wisdom tradition.
The Johannine usage emphasizes the enigmatic or allegorical nature of Jesus' teaching, which often concealed truth from those unwilling to believe, while the Petrine usage aligns with the more traditional understanding of a concise, moral saying.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G3850}}` (parabolē):** This is the most significant related word. While both paroimía and parabolē can be translated as "parable," parabolē is far more common in the Synoptic Gospels and typically denotes a story drawn from everyday life used to illustrate a spiritual truth. paroimía in John, by contrast, often refers to a more obscure, allegorical, or metaphorical saying, one whose meaning is not immediately apparent. It can be seen as a sub-category or a more intense form of figurative speech compared to the typical parabolē.
* **`{{H4912}}` (mashal):** The Hebrew equivalent, mashal, has a broad semantic range in the Old Testament, encompassing proverbs, parables, allegories, taunts, and even prophetic utterances. The use of paroimía in [[2 Peter 2:22]] directly reflects this Old Testament concept of a traditional, authoritative proverb.
* **Aphorism, Adage, Riddle, Allegory:** Conceptually, paroimía touches on these forms of communication. It can function as a concise aphorism, a widely accepted adage, a riddle requiring interpretation, or an extended allegory conveying deeper meaning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3942}}` is multifaceted, particularly in the Gospel of John:
* **Revelation and Concealment:** In John, paroimía serves as a vehicle for both revelation and concealment. Jesus speaks in paroimía to convey profound spiritual truths, yet these truths remain hidden from those who lack spiritual understanding or are unwilling to believe. This aligns with the Johannine theme of light shining in darkness, where the light is perceived differently by those who are "of the truth" versus those who are "of the world."
* **Progressive Understanding:** Jesus' promise in [[John 16:25]] to move from speaking in paroimía to speaking "plainly" signifies a progressive revelation of truth to His disciples. This transition anticipates the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide them into all truth ([[John 16:13]]), enabling them to grasp what was previously veiled.
* **Nature of Divine Communication:** The use of paroimía underscores that divine communication is not always simple or direct. God often speaks in ways that require active listening, spiritual discernment, and a receptive heart. This challenges hearers to move beyond superficial understanding to seek deeper meaning.
* **Moral Truth and Warning:** In [[2 Peter 2:22]], paroimía functions as a powerful moral warning. By citing a well-known proverb, Peter emphasizes the enduring and self-evident nature of certain spiritual and moral laws. The return to sin after experiencing truth is portrayed as a profound spiritual degradation, illustrated by the common adage.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3942}}` (paroimía) denotes a saying that can range from an enigmatic or allegorical "parable" to a well-established "proverb." In the Gospel of John, it characterizes Jesus' teaching as often veiled, requiring spiritual insight for comprehension, and highlights the progressive nature of divine revelation. It serves to distinguish between those who grasp deeper spiritual truths and those who remain in darkness. In 2 Peter, paroimía refers to a traditional, authoritative proverb that conveys a timeless moral truth, underscoring the consequences of spiritual apostasy. Across its biblical occurrences, paroimía illuminates the multifaceted ways in which divine wisdom and truth are communicated, often challenging the hearer to seek understanding beyond the superficial.
TRV