παραπλήσιον
paraplḗsion
G3897 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Adverb: similarly, in a manner closely resembling, nearly equivalent to something else; used to express similarity or nearness in quality, manner, or degree, rather than physical proximity. In some contexts, denotes 'almost' or 'nearly' in reference to a comparable situation, though not absolutely identical.
Semantic Range
closely similar, nearly equivalent, analogous, almost the same as, nearly, nigh unto, resembling, comparable
Root / Etymology
Compound of παρά (para, 'beside, alongside') and πλησίον (plēsíon, 'near, neighboring'); formed by attaching para- to plēsion, producing a word meaning 'nearby' or 'similar'. Related ultimately to πλήσιος ('neighbor').
Historical & Contextual Notes
παραπλήσιον is rare in Hellenistic and Koine usage, appearing in comparative or illustrative contexts to indicate that one thing is closely akin to or almost identical with another — but not quite the same. The term draws upon spatial or figurative 'nearness,' used in moral, legal, or descriptive discourse to denote resemblance or analogy. In post-classical Greek, it is more typically rendered as 'similar' or 'analogous.' The sense of 'almost' or 'nigh unto' that appears in some English translations reflects a narrowing of the word’s wider semantic field, which originally included both objective similarity and approximate equivalency. In the New Testament, usage is limited, and standard translations may tend toward overly spatial readings ('nearby') instead of the broader comparative or analogous sense. Septuagint and extra-biblical usage suggest a semantic overlap with similar terms for 'likeness' or 'comparison.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a compound of παρά and the base of πλησίον (as adverb); close by, i.e. (figuratively) almost:--nigh unto.
Root Family
παραπλησ- (paraplḗsion) — near, similar, resembling
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3897-01 |
παραπλήσιον | paraplesion | ADV |
nigh | in like manner | similarly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3897-01 |
Philippians 2:27 | παραπλήσιον | paraplesion | ADV |
nigh | in like manner | similarly |