παρατείνω (G3905) — Greek Lexicon

παρατείνω

parateínō

G3905 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To stretch out alongside; to prolong, extend or lengthen in respect to duration or time. In various contexts, it denotes the act of making something last longer, extending the time appointed for something, or causing an event, process, or condition to continue beyond its normal limit. The core meaning of 'to stretch beside' is present, but usage tends to focus on extension, especially in duration.

Semantic Range

to extend alongside, to stretch out near something, to prolong in time, to continue, to defer, to renew

Root / Etymology

From the preposition παρά ('beside, alongside') and the verbτείνω ('to stretch, extend'). The formation indicates something stretched or extended alongside or beyond its original bounds.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, παρατείνω was used in the literal sense of 'to stretch out beside' (e.g., a rope or arm). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, this physical sense persisted but the word took on a more metaphorical sense, most commonly signifying extension in time (i.e., to prolong or continue an action or period). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it primarily refers to lengthening or prolonging time, such as extending a day, delaying judgment, or continuing to do something. English translations often render it as 'prolong,' 'continue,' or 'extend,' which generally captures the sense but may overlook the vivid metaphor of stretching. It is less common than related verbs like διατείνω (to stretch through) or ἐκτείνω (to stretch out from). Its usage is relatively rare but precise, often in contexts of extending authority, mercy, or the length of an event.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and teino (to stretch); to extend along, i.e. prolong (in point of time):--continue.

Root Family

τειν- (ekteínō) — to stretch, extend

Root τειν- to stretch, to extend, to prolong

Strong's	Lemma	SIBI-P1
G1614	ἐκτείνω	having stretched out
G1617	ἐκτενέστερον	more intensely
G1901	ἐπεκτείνομαι	stretching himself forward
G4385	προτείνω	they stretched out

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3905-01`	παρέτεινέν	pareteinen	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	continued	was prolonging	was prolonging	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3905-01`	Acts 20:7	παρέτεινέν	pareteinen	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	continued	was prolonging	was prolonging

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