BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Para (παρά) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Para (παρά) is a versatile Greek preposition denoting proximity, origin, or accompaniment, with meanings shifting according to its grammatical case.
Meaning of the word
Para (παρά) is a Greek preposition that fundamentally conveys the idea of nearness or proximity—being 'beside' someone or something. Depending on the case it governs, its sense shifts: with the genitive it means 'from beside' (indicating source or origin), with the dative it means 'at the vicinity of' (presence alongside), and with the accusative it means 'to the proximity of' (movement toward or beyond).
In the New Testament, παρά is therefore not limited to physical location. It is used figuratively to describe relational proximity—to be 'with' someone, to receive something 'from' someone, or to act 'alongside' someone. This relational dimension is especially prominent in John's Gospel, where παρά describes the mutual indwelling of the Father, Son, and Spirit and the believer's relationship to them.
Because it is a preposition rather than a noun or verb, παρά does not function as an independent word in a sentence. Its meaning is always determined by the case it governs and the context in which it appears, making careful attention to syntax essential for understanding each occurrence.
Usage in Scripture
In John's Gospel, παρά frequently expresses the believer's relationship with Christ and the Spirit. John 14:17, 23, and 25 use the dative form to describe the Spirit 'with' and 'in' the disciples, while John 14:23 promises that the Father and Son will make their 'abode with' the one who loves Jesus. These passages emphasize intimate, ongoing presence.
The genitive use appears in passages about origin and mission. John 1:6 describes John the Baptist as 'sent from God,' and John 15:26 refers to the Spirit 'whom I will send from the Father.' John 16:27 and 17:7-8 similarly use παρά to express that the Son came 'from the Father' and that the disciples' knowledge and faith originate from the Father. The preposition thus underscores divine commissioning and the eternal relationship between Father and Son.
The accusative use, which can indicate direction or even comparison ('beyond'), appears in John 1:14 ('glory as of the only begotten from the Father') and 17:5 ('the glory which I had with thee'). Here παρά conveys the transcendent origin of Christ's glory, rooted in a relationship that precedes creation. Across these uses, παρά consistently highlights proximity—not merely spatial closeness, but the relational nearness between God and His people.
The word in detail
- G3844 Para (παρά) is a three-case preposition whose meaning—'from beside,' 'beside,' or 'to beside'—is determined by the genitive, dative, or accusative case it governs. In the New Testament it frequently carries relational rather than purely spatial weight, especially in Johannine writings describing the mutual presence of Father, Son, Spirit, and believers.
Example verses
- John 1:6 John the Baptist is described as a man 'sent from God' (παρὰ θεοῦ), using the genitive case to mark divine origin and commissioning.
- John 14:23 Jesus promises that the Father and Son will make their 'abode with' (παρὰ) the believer, using the dative sense of presence alongside.
- John 15:26 The Spirit is sent 'from' (παρὰ) the Father, employing the genitive to express the Spirit's eternal origin within the Godhead.
- John 17:5 Christ asks to be glorified 'with' (παρὰ) the Father with the glory He had before the world existed, indicating transcendent relational proximity.
Common questions
Why does παρά have multiple meanings?
As a Greek preposition, παρά takes different cases (genitive, dative, accusative), and each case produces a different shade of meaning—source, presence, or direction. The context of each verse determines which sense applies.
Is παρά only about physical location?
No. While its basic sense is spatial proximity ('beside'), παρά is frequently used figuratively in the New Testament to express relational closeness—such as being 'with' someone or receiving something 'from' someone—especially in John's writings.
How many times does παρά appear in the New Testament?
According to the data for G3844, παρά occurs 24 times across 21 distinct verses in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the Gospel of John.