### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παροψίς (paropsís, `{{G3953}}`) is derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the base of ὀψάριον (opsarion, `{{G3808}}`), which refers to "food eaten with bread," often fish or a relish. Thus, παροψίς literally denotes a "side-dish" or, more precisely, the vessel in which such a side-dish is served. Its primary meaning is a "platter" or "serving dish." The term emphasizes the container, the receptacle, rather than the food itself, highlighting an object designed for presentation and serving. This word appears only once in the entire New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly potent and significant in its specific context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of παροψίς (paropsís, `{{G3953}}`) is found in [[Matthew 23:25]], within one of Jesus's most severe denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." Here, παροψίς is paired directly with ποτήριον (potērion, `{{G4221}}`), "cup." The imagery is vivid: just as one might meticulously clean the exterior of a drinking cup and a serving platter while neglecting the filth or corruption within, so too did the religious leaders focus on outward acts of piety and ceremonial purity while their hearts remained defiled by avarice and unrestrained appetite. The "platter" symbolizes the public, visible aspect of their religious life and social interactions, which they carefully maintained to appear righteous, yet which concealed profound internal corruption. This metaphor powerfully exposes the hypocrisy of those who prioritize external appearance over genuine inner transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate linguistic companion to παροψίς in [[Matthew 23:25]] is ποτήριον (potērion, `{{G4221}}`), "cup," which functions as a parallel symbol of external appearance. The root idea of ὀψάριον (opsarion, `{{G3808}}`), "relish" or "fish," though not directly present as a word, conceptually underpins παροψίς by pointing to the *purpose* of the platter—to hold food. Broader concepts illuminated by this word's usage include:
* **Hypocrisy:** The central theme of Jesus's critique, where a clean exterior masks a corrupt interior.
* **Outward vs. Inward:** The stark contrast between external religious performance and the true condition of the heart.
* **Defilement and Purity:** Jesus consistently taught that true defilement originates from within (e.g., [[Matthew 15:18-20]]), contrasting with the Pharisees' emphasis on external ritual purity.
* **Legalism:** The adherence to the letter of the law and external observances without genuine spiritual transformation.
* **Spiritual Blindness:** The inability to perceive one's own internal corruption despite meticulous attention to outward forms.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παροψίς (paropsís, `{{G3953}}`) lies in its powerful contribution to Jesus's teaching on true righteousness and the nature of the Kingdom of God. By likening the scribes and Pharisees to a "platter" cleansed only on the outside, Jesus underscores that God is concerned not merely with outward obedience or religious display, but with the condition of the human heart. This word serves as a stark reminder that external acts, no matter how meticulously performed, are meaningless, and indeed condemnatory, if they do not flow from a heart purified by genuine repentance and faith. The "platter" becomes a potent symbol of superficial piety, a warning against the spiritual danger of hypocrisy, and a call for radical internal transformation. It highlights the biblical truth that true worship and righteousness begin from within, a principle echoed throughout the prophets and the New Testament, culminating in the new covenant's promise of a circumcised heart (e.g., [[Romans 2:29]]).
### Summary
παροψίς (paropsís, `{{G3953}}`) literally refers to a "platter" or "serving dish," a vessel for side-dishes. Its singular appearance in [[Matthew 23:25]] is profoundly significant, where Jesus uses it metaphorically alongside a "cup" to condemn the scribes and Pharisees. The "platter" symbolizes their outward religious facade, meticulously maintained to appear righteous, while their inner lives were consumed by greed and self-indulgence. This word serves as a powerful indictment of hypocrisy, emphasizing Jesus's consistent teaching that true purity and righteousness originate from within the heart, not from external observances. It stands as a timeless reminder that God desires genuine inward transformation over superficial religious performance.
TRV