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παραγγελία

parangelía

G3852 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

An authoritative order or instruction; specifically, a directive or command issued by a person in authority (such as a magistrate, official, military officer, or teacher). In various contexts, can denote a formal mandate delivered verbally or in writing, instructions to be obeyed, or official regulations put in force. The term covers both the act of commanding and the content of that command, functioning especially in legal, military, or didactic settings.

Semantic Range

mandate, official order, command, directive, charge, injunction, regulation, authoritative instruction

Root / Etymology

From the verb παραγγέλλω (to command, to order, to instruct), itself from παρά ('beside, from') and ἀγγέλλω ('to announce, to proclaim'). It denotes something given or passed on as a formal announcement or directive.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The noun παραγγελία appears in both secular and religious Greek literature. In classical usage, it often designates military orders or injunctions from officials. In Hellenistic and Roman-era contexts, it retains this formal, authoritative sense: Paul's epistles, for instance, use παραγγελία to refer to ethical, communal, or apostolic instructions, carrying a sense of binding authority. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it usually implies more than generic advice or suggestion; it implies an obligation to obedience. Standard English translations commonly render it as 'command,' 'charge,' or 'instruction,' but these terms may not always convey the formality or binding nature inherent in Greek usage. In contrast to generic instruction (διδασκαλία, 'teaching'), παραγγελία always carries the nuance of an authoritative proclamation or decree.

Translation Consistency

primary "order" 4 occurrences

‘Order’ is the most natural, versatile English rendering for παραγγελία, covering authoritative commands, mandates, directives, and instructions in legal, military, and teaching contexts. It fits both verbal and written commands and is more broadly used than more formal or specialized alternatives like ‘mandate’ or ‘injunction.’

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"authoritative command" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παραγγέλλω; a mandate:--charge, command.

Root Family

παραγγελία (parangelia) — command, order, directive, mandate, authoritative instruction

Root παραγγελ- to command, to order, to instruct

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3852-02 παραγγελίαν paraggelian N ACC F SG charge an authoritative command an authoritative order 2
G3852-03 παραγγελίας paraggelias N ACC F PL commandments authoritative orders authoritative orders 2
G3852-01 παραγγελίᾳ paraggelia N DAT F SG with a charge to an authoritative command by an authoritative command 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3852-01 Acts 5:28 παραγγελίᾳ paraggelia N DAT F SG with a charge to an authoritative command by an authoritative command
G3852-02 Acts 16:24 παραγγελίαν paraggelian N ACC F SG command an authoritative command an authoritative order
G3852-03 1 Thessalonians 4:2 παραγγελίας paraggelias N ACC F PL commandments authoritative orders authoritative orders
G3852-03 1 Timothy 1:5 παραγγελίας paraggelias N GEN F SG instruction authoritative orders authoritative orders
G3852-02 1 Timothy 1:18 παραγγελίαν paraggelian N ACC F SG charge an authoritative command an authoritative order
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