παραβάλλω (G3846) — Greek Lexicon

παραβάλλω

parabállō

G3846 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To place or set alongside, to compare (one thing with another); by extension, to make a comparison, to interpret by analogy. In some contexts, can mean to bring near, approach, or reach a place. The primary sense is setting one thing beside another, either physically or in mental or figurative comparison; also, in certain contexts, to expose to danger (by putting something at risk, metaphorically).

Semantic Range

to set beside, to compare, to liken, to interpret by analogy, to arrive (by coming near), to approach, to expose to risk

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition παρά ('beside, alongside') and the verb βάλλω ('to throw, cast, put'). Thus, originally meaning 'to throw alongside' or 'to place beside.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, παραβάλλω chiefly has the meaning 'to place beside, compare, set side by side for the purpose of judging similarity or difference.' In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, it retains this meaning and can be used for 'to compare' ideas, objects, or situations. Additionally, in Koine, especially in literary and rhetorical contexts, it can be used of comparing texts or interpreting by way of analogy (cf. use in LXX). The middle or reflexive form (παραβάλλομαι) may have the sense 'to approach, to come alongside' or 'to risk oneself.' In the NT, the word is rare but occurs, for example, in the sense 'to compare' or 'to set alongside' (Mark 4:30: πῶς παραβάλωμεν αὐτήν;). Standard English translations often render it 'compare' or 'liken,' but the imagery extends to more literal and metaphorical 'setting alongside.' The figurative sense of interpretation by analogy is the source of the English 'parable' (from παραβολή, 'placing alongside,' 'comparison').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and βάλλω; to throw alongside, i.e. (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken:--arrive, compare.

Root Family

παραβάλλω (paraballō) — to throw alongside, to place beside, to compare, to liken

Root βαλλ- to throw, to cast, to place

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3846-01`	παρεβάλομεν	parebalomen	`V AOR ACT IND 1P PL`	we approached	we were setting alongside	we approached	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3846-01`	Acts 20:15	παρεβάλομεν	parebalomen	`V AOR ACT IND 1P PL`	we approached	we were setting alongside	we approached

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