Brief Overview of παρίστημι (Strong’s G3936: paristēmi)

Strong’s G3936: A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with ἵστημι (to stand), meaning “to present, place beside, or stand near.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, from Jesus’ reference to angelic assistance to Paul’s exhortations about presenting ourselves to God. Emphasizes availability and readiness for service.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρίστημι carries rich meaning in both physical and spiritual contexts. Its literal sense of “standing beside” or “being present” extends to deeper theological concepts of presenting oneself for service, particularly to God. The compound structure emphasizes both proximity and readiness. In the New Testament, it ranges from Jesus’ reference to available angelic legions to Paul’s teaching about believers presenting themselves as living sacrifices. Early church fathers expanded its usage to discuss both divine assistance and human dedication to God. Today, it continues to express both divine presence and human consecration.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρίστημι, paristēmi, /par-IS-tay-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + IS (stressed) + tay + mee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• ἵστημι (histēmi): to stand
• Combined to express standing beside or presenting

D – Defining Meanings

• To present
• To stand beside
• To be available

For compound words:
παρα- adds the sense of proximity to ἵστημι’s meaning of standing, creating the concept of standing beside in readiness

Translation Options:

• “To present” – emphasizes offering aspect
• “To stand beside” – maintains physical imagery
• “To make available” – captures readiness aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρέχω (parechō) /par-EH-kho/ – to provide, more general provision
• προσφέρω (prospherō) /pros-FEH-ro/ – to bring to, more focused on bringing
• καθίστημι (kathistēmi) /kath-IS-tay-mee/ – to appoint, more authoritative

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρίστημι exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive, Punctiliar

Examples:
παρίστημι (I present)
παραστήσω (I will present)
παρέστην (I stood beside)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual presence. Thayer’s notes its use in sacrificial contexts. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its significance in Christian service. Moulton and Milligan note its legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once [παρίστημι] send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)

Additional References:
Mark 14:47, Luke 1:19, Acts 1:3, Acts 4:26, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:1, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Colossians 1:22, 2 Timothy 2:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρίστημι embodies both physical presence and spiritual dedication, expressing readiness for service and the act of presenting oneself or others to God.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in both military and sacrificial contexts
• It influenced Christian liturgical language
• The term bridges divine assistance and human dedication

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with ἵστημι (to stand), meaning “to present, place beside, or stand near.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, from Jesus’ reference to angelic assistance to Paul’s exhortations about presenting ourselves to God. Emphasizes availability and readiness for service.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #service #dedication #presence #angels #sacrifice #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #consecration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​