from the present participle of πάρειμι; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:--coming, presence.
Transliteration:parousía
Pronunciation:par-oo-see'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term παρουσία (parousía, `{{G3952}}`) derives from the present participle of the verb πάρειμι (pareimi), which means "to be present," "to be at hand," or "to have arrived." Consequently, παρουσία fundamentally signifies "presence" or "arrival." It is not merely the act of "coming" (which would be ἔρχομαι `{{G2064}}`), but rather the state of *being present* following an arrival, or the *event of arrival itself* that inaugurates a significant presence.
In its broader semantic range, παρουσία can denote:
* **Physical Presence:** The actual being-there of a person.
* **Arrival/Advent:** The act of coming, especially of a significant person or event. This often carries a connotation of authority or importance.
* **Return:** When applied to Christ, it specifically implies a return after a period of absence.
* **Specialized Eschatological Use:** Most notably in the New Testament, it refers to the decisive "coming" of Christ, often associated with judgment (e.g., on Jerusalem or the wicked) and the full establishment of His reign.
* **Aspect/Appearance:** Less common, but can imply a visible manifestation or outward appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρουσία appears 24 times in the New Testament, with the vast majority of occurrences referring to the future, glorious "coming" or "presence" of Jesus Christ.
* **Eschatological Context:**
* **Matthew 24:** The Olivet Discourse frequently uses παρουσία to describe the "coming of the Son of Man," emphasizing its suddenness, visibility, and decisive nature ([[Matthew 24:3]], [[Matthew 24:27]], [[Matthew 24:37]], [[Matthew 24:39]]). It is the culmination of the age.
* **1 Corinthians 15:23:** States that "those who belong to Christ" will be raised "at his coming (παρουσία)." This links Christ's return directly to the resurrection of believers.
* **1 Thessalonians:** This epistle is rich with references to the παρουσία of the Lord, presenting it as the blessed hope of believers. It is the time when the righteous dead will be raised and living believers will be caught up to meet the Lord ([[1 Thessalonians 2:19]], [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]], [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]]).
* **2 Thessalonians 2:** Describes the παρουσία of the Lord Jesus as the event by which the "man of lawlessness" will be destroyed, highlighting its power and judgmental aspect ([[2 Thessalonians 2:8]], [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]]).
* **James 5:7-8:** Exhorts believers to patience, like a farmer, until the παρουσία of the Lord, because it is near and will establish His kingdom.
* **2 Peter:** Addresses skepticism concerning the Lord's promised παρουσία ([[2 Peter 3:4]], [[2 Peter 3:12]]), affirming its certainty and urging believers to live holy lives in anticipation. It is associated with the new heavens and new earth.
* **1 John 2:28:** Encourages believers to abide in Christ so that they may have confidence and not shrink from Him at His παρουσία.
* **Non-Eschatological Context:**
* In a few instances, παρουσία refers to the physical "presence" or "arrival" of human individuals, primarily Paul or his associates.
* **1 Corinthians 16:17:** Refers to the "coming (παρουσία)" of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus.
* **2 Corinthians 7:6-7:** Mentions God comforting Paul by the "coming (παρουσία)" of Titus, and the comfort Titus received from the Corinthians' presence.
* **2 Corinthians 10:10-11:** Paul's opponents criticize his "bodily presence (παρουσία)" as weak, contrasting it with his letters. This highlights the "aspect" or "physical appearance" nuance.
* **Philippians 1:26; 2:12:** Paul anticipates that his "coming (παρουσία)" to the Philippians will cause them to rejoice and continue their obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
παρουσία is often used alongside or in conjunction with other significant Greek terms related to Christ's return:
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`:** While ἔρχομαι means "to come," παρουσία denotes the *result* of that coming—the actual presence or arrival. παρουσία often implies a more significant, official, or decisive arrival.
* **ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) `{{G602}}`:** "Revelation" or "unveiling." This term emphasizes the disclosure or manifestation of Christ at His return ([[1 Corinthians 1:7]], [[2 Thessalonians 1:7]]). It highlights the visibility and clarity of His appearance.
* **ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) `{{G2015}}`:** "Appearance" or "manifestation." Similar to ἀποκάλυψις, it stresses the shining forth or visible display of Christ's glory at His return ([[2 Thessalonians 2:8]], [[2 Timothy 4:1]], [[Titus 2:13]]).
* **ἥκω (heko) `{{G2240}}`:** "To have come," "to be present." Shares semantic overlap with the "being near" or "having arrived" aspect inherent in παρουσία.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of God's "coming" or "visitation" (פקד / paqad `{{H6485}}`) is a foundational theme in the Hebrew Scriptures, often signifying divine intervention, judgment, or salvation. The New Testament use of παρουσία for Christ's return draws heavily on these established expectations of a decisive divine visitation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παρουσία is profound, shaping core aspects of Christian eschatology and ethics:
* **The Blessed Hope:** The παρουσία of Christ is the central hope of the Church, signifying the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is the definitive event that will bring about the full establishment of His kingdom and the final victory over all evil, sin, and death.
* **Consummation of Salvation:** At His παρουσία, Christ will complete the salvation of His people. This includes the bodily resurrection of the dead in Christ, the transformation of living believers, and their eternal gathering with the Lord ([[1 Thessalonians 4:15-17]]).
* **Divine Judgment and Vindication:** The παρουσία is also the time of ultimate judgment for the wicked and the vindication of the righteous. It is when Christ's absolute sovereignty will be fully displayed, and all wrongs will be set right ([[2 Thessalonians 1:7-10]], [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]]).
* **Motivation for Holy Living:** The certainty and imminence of Christ's παρουσία serve as a powerful impetus for believers to live lives of holiness, patience, and readiness. It encourages perseverance in faith, righteous conduct, and vigilant expectation ([[James 5:7-8]], [[2 Peter 3:11-14]], [[1 John 2:28]]).
* **Personal and Visible Return:** The term παρουσία strongly implies a personal, physical, and visible return of Christ. It is not merely a spiritual or metaphorical "coming" but a concrete, historical event that will be universally witnessed.
### Summary
The Greek word παρουσία (parousía, `{{G3952}}`) denotes "presence" or "arrival," stemming from the verb "to be present." While occasionally referring to the physical presence or arrival of individuals, its preeminent and most theologically significant usage in the New Testament is to describe the future, glorious "coming" or "advent" of Jesus Christ. This παρουσία is understood as a decisive, personal, and visible event that marks the consummation of God's redemptive purposes. It encompasses the bodily resurrection of believers, the final judgment of the wicked, and the full establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. As such, παρουσία encapsulates the vibrant hope of the Christian faith, serving as both a promise of ultimate salvation and a profound call to vigilant, holy living in eager anticipation of the Lord's glorious return.
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