### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παροτρύνω (parotrýnō, `{{G3951}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (pará, meaning "beside," "alongside," or intensifying) and the verb ὀτρύνω (otrýnō, meaning "to urge," "spur on," "hasten"). The combination suggests an intensified urging or incitement. While ὀτρύνω itself can be neutral or even positive (e.g., to urge forward in a race), the prefix παρά in this context, combined with the observed biblical usage, lends the word a specific negative connotation. Its core meaning is to "urge along" or "stimulate," but critically, it is almost exclusively used in secular Greek literature and in its sole biblical occurrence to describe stirring up to hostility, agitation, or opposition. Thus, its semantic range is narrow, focusing on the act of inciting, provoking, or instigating, particularly towards conflict or persecution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word παροτρύνω (parotrýnō, `{{G3951}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 13:50]]**: "But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district."
In this pivotal passage, Paul and Barnabas are ministering in Pisidian Antioch. After their successful preaching in the synagogue and the positive response from many Gentiles, some Jews become jealous and stir up opposition. The verb παροτρύνω precisely describes their action: they "incited" or "stirred up" (παροτρύνω) prominent and influential members of the community – "the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city." The clear objective and outcome of this incitement was the "stirring up of persecution" (ἐπήγειραν διωγμὸν) against the apostles, ultimately leading to their expulsion from the region. The context unequivocally confirms the negative, hostile sense of παροτρύνω, highlighting a deliberate act of instigation aimed at creating opposition and inflicting harm.
### Related Words & Concepts
While παροτρύνω (parotrýnō, `{{G3951}}`) is unique in its specific nuance of inciting to hostility, it shares conceptual space with other Greek words related to movement, persuasion, or provocation:
* ἐρεθίζω (erethizō, `{{G2042}}`): This verb means "to irritate," "provoke," or "stir up." It can be used in both negative contexts (e.g., provoking anger, [[Colossians 3:21]]) and occasionally positive ones (e.g., stirring up love, [[2 Corinthians 9:2]]). Unlike παροτρύνω, which specifically implies an external agent inciting others, ἐρεθίζω can also describe internal irritation.
* ἀναστάω (anastao, `{{G450}}`): Meaning "to rise up," this verb can sometimes carry the connotation of rising up in opposition or rebellion, though its primary meaning is simply "to stand up" or "resurrect."
* κινέω (kineō, `{{G2795}}`): "To move," "stir," or "shake." It is a more general term for causing movement and lacks the specific connotation of hostile incitement found in παροτρύνω.
* πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`): "To persuade" or "convince." While παροτρύνω involves influencing others, it is distinct from mere persuasion; it is a forceful, often manipulative, urging towards a specific, negative action.
The distinctive feature of παροτρύνω is its focus on the active, deliberate, and often malicious act of stirring up individuals or groups *against* someone, leading to persecution or conflict.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of παροτρύνω (parotrýnō, `{{G3951}}`) in [[Acts 13:50]] holds significant theological weight within the narrative of the early church's mission. It illuminates the nature of the opposition faced by the apostles as they proclaimed the Gospel.
1. **Deliberate Opposition**: The use of παροτρύνω underscores that the persecution against Paul and Barnabas was not merely spontaneous disagreement or misunderstanding. Rather, it was the result of a deliberate, calculated effort by antagonists to incite influential members of society against the messengers of Christ. This highlights the active and often orchestrated nature of spiritual opposition to the Kingdom of God.
2. **Spiritual Warfare**: The word implicitly points to the reality of spiritual warfare. While human agents (the Jews) are seen "inciting" others, the underlying spiritual forces of darkness are at work, seeking to hinder the spread of the Gospel. The word describes the human manifestation of this spiritual antagonism.
3. **Cost of Discipleship**: For those called to proclaim the truth, παροτρύνω serves as a stark reminder that opposition, often incited by those resistant to God's message, is an expected part of their ministry. It reinforces the theme that faithfulness to Christ often entails facing persecution stirred up by those hostile to the divine message.
4. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Opposition**: Despite such hostile incitement, the narrative of Acts consistently demonstrates God's sovereignty. Even when apostles are driven out, the Gospel continues to advance to new territories, turning human malice into opportunities for divine expansion.
### Summary
The Greek verb παροτρύνω (parotrýnō, `{{G3951}}`) is a rare but potent word, carrying the specific meaning of "to incite" or "to stir up," particularly to hostility or persecution. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 13:50]] vividly illustrates this, describing how certain Jews deliberately "incited" prominent citizens against Paul and Barnabas, leading to their expulsion. Theologically, παροτρύνω highlights the deliberate and often orchestrated nature of opposition to the Gospel, underscoring the reality of spiritual warfare manifested through human agents. It serves as a reminder of the trials faced by those who proclaim God's truth, yet within the broader narrative of Acts, it also implicitly points to the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan even amidst such incitement.
TRV