παραβαίνω (G3845) — Greek Lexicon

παραβαίνω

parabaínō

G3845 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To go beyond, overstep, or deviate from a set limit, norm, or command; in legal, ethical, or customary contexts, to transgress or violate an established boundary or regulation. In Koine Greek especially, often used of violating laws, commandments, or instructions, whether divine or human; more broadly, to act contrary to rules or expectations.

Semantic Range

to cross over a boundary, to overstep a limit, to violate a law or command, to transgress, to act contrary to instruction or custom, to deviate from a norm

Root / Etymology

From παρά (beside, beyond, contrary to) and the root of βαίνω (to walk, go). The compound expresses the idea of moving alongside or beyond a prescribed way or limit.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, παραβαίνω can refer generally to overstepping physical, social, or moral bounds. In the Hellenistic and New Testament periods, it especially denotes the act of violating laws or commands, including both human laws and divine injunctions (as in the LXX and NT). In the Septuagint (LXX), it commonly translates Hebrew terms for 'transgressing' or 'breaking' commandments, thus acquiring a significant legal-religious connotation. In the New Testament, it is often used in contexts of disobedience toward divine law or specific instructions (e.g., Matthew 15:3: παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ θεοῦ — 'you transgress the commandment of God'). While frequently rendered in English translations as 'transgress' or 'violate,' the word has a more general sense of going beyond bounds, and may not always imply intentional or moral culpability, depending on context. The noun παραβάσις (parabasis, 'transgression') and related terms (e.g., παραβάτης, 'transgressor') share this core meaning of overstepping defined boundaries or limits, contrasting with words relating to omission (such as ἁμαρτία in certain contexts). In Hellenistic literature, the term can also refer to infringement of civic regulations or customs. English translations typically use 'transgress,' 'violate,' or 'break,' but may fail to capture the sense of movement beyond an intended line or standard inherent in the Greek word.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and the base of βάσις; to go contrary to, i.e. violate a command:--(by) transgress(-ion).

Root Family

παραβαίνω (parabaínō) — to go beyond, to overstep, to violate, to transgress

Root βαίν- to go, to walk, to proceed

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3845-01`	παραβαίνετε	parabainete	`V PRS ACT IND 2P PL`	transgress	you are overstepping	you are overstepping	1
`G3845-03`	παρέβη	parebe	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	turned aside	transgressed	turned aside	1
`G3845-02`	παραβαίνουσιν	parabainousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	transgress	they are overstepping	they are overstepping	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3845-02`	Matthew 15:2	παραβαίνουσιν	parabainousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	transgress	they are overstepping	they are overstepping
`G3845-01`	Matthew 15:3	παραβαίνετε	parabainete	`V PRS ACT IND 2P PL`	transgress	you are overstepping	you are overstepping
`G3845-03`	Acts 1:25	παρέβη	parebe	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	turned aside	transgressed	turned aside

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