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παραγγέλλω

parangéllō

G3853 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To give a directive or order; to command or instruct with authority, often involving the communication of a formal message or charge. The term can refer to issuing instructions, decrees, prohibitions, or orders to individuals or groups, whether spoken or in writing. Contextually, it extends to commanding someone to do or avoid something, to transmit a charge from one person to another, or to formally convey authoritative instructions.

Semantic Range

to command, to instruct with authority, to enjoin, to transmit a directive, to give orders, to issue an authoritative message; to give an injunction or charge

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition παρά (beside, from, alongside) and the verb base of ἄγγελος (messenger; from ἀγγέλλω, to announce/report). The composite structure suggests 'to deliver or transmit (a message or order) from beside/one's authority to another.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

παραγγέλλω is attested in classical Greek with the sense of giving orders, commands, or instructions—especially in military, legal, and civic contexts. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it often conveys the authoritative giving of instruction or the communication of a charge from a person in authority (e.g., magistrate, military officer, teacher, or apostolic agent). The related noun παραγγελία denotes a command or instruction. New Testament usage often refers to apostolic or Jesus' directives, but always within the context of delivering a binding instruction rather than mere information. Unlike the more general command (κελεύω) or say/order (λέγω, πρόστασσω), παραγγέλλω emphasizes authoritative transmission (especially of a formal message). English translations like 'command,' 'charge,' or 'give orders' may not fully capture the nuance of transmitting an official or delegated order, and the performative (authorizing) aspect of the term is often more prominent in the original than in many translations. The word is less common in Septuagintal usage, but when present usually renders terms relating to orders or injunctions from authority figures.

Translation Consistency

primary "command" 31 occurrences

parangellō primarily carries the sense of issuing authoritative instructions or charges; "command" best captures the authoritative, directive force and typical usage (it also matches the most common P2 renderings like "commanded"), while remaining natural English and covering related senses such as enjoining or charging.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and the base of ἄγγελος; to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin:--(give in) charge, (give) command(-ment), declare.

Root Family

παραγγέλλω (parangellō) — to report, to announce, to command, to instruct

Root γγελ- to report, to announce, to command, to instruct

Word Forms

13 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3853-12 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he issued a command he commanded 7
G3853-02 παραγγείλας paraggeilas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having commanded having commanded having commanded 4
G3853-04 παράγγελλε paraggelle V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG command Be issuing orders Be commanding 3
G3853-08 παραγγέλλομεν paraggellomen V PRS ACT IND 1P PL we command we instruct authoritatively we command authoritatively 3
G3853-07 παραγγέλλω paraggello V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I command I issue orders I command 3
G3853-11 παρήγγειλαν pareggeilan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL commanded they issued orders they commanded 2
G3853-05 παραγγέλλει paraggellei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG he commanded he/she commands commands 2
G3853-10 παρηγγείλαμεν pareggeilamen V AOR ACT IND 1P PL we charged we commanded we commanded 2
G3853-06 παραγγέλλειν paraggellein V PRS ACT INF to command to issue a directive to command 1
G3853-09 παραγγέλλων paraggellon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG giving this instruction commanding commanding 1

Occurrences in Scripture

31 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3853-02 Matthew 10:5 παραγγείλας paraggeilas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG instructing having commanded having commanded
G3853-02 Matthew 15:35 παραγγείλας paraggeilas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having commanded having commanded having commanded
G3853-12 Mark 6:8 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he issued a command he commanded
G3853-05 Mark 8:6 παραγγέλλει paraggellei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG he commanded he/she commands he commands
G3853-12 Luke 5:14 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG charged he issued a command he commanded
G3853-12 Luke 8:29 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG had commanded he issued a command he commanded
G3853-12 Luke 8:56 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he charged he issued a command he commanded
G3853-12 Luke 9:21 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he issued a command he commanded
G3853-12 Acts 1:4 παρήγγειλεν pareggeilen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he commanded he issued a command he commanded
G3853-11 Acts 4:18 παρήγγειλαν pareggeilan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL commanded they issued orders they commanded
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