3865. paratheóreó

Lexical Summary

paratheóreó: To overlook, to neglect, to disregard

Original Word: παραθεωρέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: paratheóreó
Pronunciation: pah-rah-theh-o-REH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (par-ath-eh-o-reh'-o)
KJV: neglect
NASB: overlooked
Word Origin: [from G3844 (παρά - than) and G2334 (θεωρέω - see)]

1. to overlook or disregard

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

neglect.

From para and theoreo; to overlook or disregard -- neglect.

see GREEK para

see GREEK theoreo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from para and theóreó
Definition
to compare, to overlook
NASB Translation
overlooked (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3865: παραθεωρέω

παραθεωρέω, παραθεώρω: imperfect passive 3 person plural παρεθεωροῦντο;

1. (παρά equivalent to by the side of (see παρά, IV. 1)) to examine things placed beside each other, to compare (Xenophon, Plutarch, Lucian).

2. (παρά equivalent to over, beyond (Latinpraeter; see παρά, IV. 2)) to overlook, neglect: Acts 6:1 (Demosthenes, p. 1414, 22; Diodorus, Dionysius Halicarnassus, others).

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 3865 appears once in the New Testament and conveys the idea of ignoring, overlooking, or neglecting someone or something that rightfully deserves attention. The term is set within the life of the early Jerusalem church, where practical ministry needs threatened spiritual unity.

Usage in the New Testament

Acts 6:1 records: “In those days, as the disciples were multiplying, the Hellenistic Jews began to complain against the Hebraic Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.” The participle rendered “were being overlooked” translates the verb behind Strong’s 3865. Luke’s choice of this word underscores an unintentional yet significant lapse in pastoral care that required immediate correction.

Historical Background in Acts 6

1. Rapid church growth created administrative strain.
2. Cultural and linguistic diversity existed between Aramaic-speaking Hebraic Jews and Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews.
3. The daily distribution (δι᾽ ἡμέρας διακονίᾳ) likely involved both food and funds for widows without family support.
4. Neglect of the Hellenistic widows risked fracturing fellowship, so the apostles appointed seven qualified men—commonly viewed as the prototype for the diaconate—to ensure equitable service while preserving prayer and the ministry of the word.

Theological Themes

1. God’s concern for the vulnerable: Scripture repeatedly commands care for widows and the disadvantaged (Deuteronomy 10:18; James 1:27).
2. Unity in diversity: The body of Christ transcends ethnic and cultural lines (Ephesians 2:14–16). Overlooking a group within the church contradicts the gospel’s inclusive reach.
3. Delegated leadership: The Spirit-guided solution in Acts 6 illustrates shared ministry responsibilities (cf. 1 Peter 4:10).
4. Faith expressed through works: Authentic faith acts on behalf of the needy (1 John 3:17-18).

Ministry Implications

• Vigilance against unintentional neglect: Growing congregations must institute structures that identify and meet practical needs.
• Balanced priorities: Prayer and preaching remain central, yet logistical service is indispensable; both require Spirit-filled servants.
• Representation and trust: Selecting culturally sensitive leaders promotes fairness and affirms every subgroup within the church.
• Accountability: Regular assessment of ministry practices safeguards against repeating Acts 6:1-type oversights.

Related Passages and Motifs

• Isaiah 1:17 — “Defend the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
• 1 Timothy 5:3-4 — Paul outlines guidelines for honoring widows.
• Galatians 6:10 — “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.”

Together these texts amplify the moral gravity of failing to notice needy believers.

Practical Applications

1. Conduct periodic audits of benevolence ministries to ensure equitable distribution.
2. Train leaders to listen actively to cultural minorities within the congregation.
3. Maintain transparent communication channels so concerns surface before discontent grows.
4. Celebrate servant leadership that protects both doctrinal fidelity and compassionate action.

Summary

The lone appearance of Strong’s 3865 in Acts 6:1 exposes how easily sincere communities can overlook real needs. Scripture’s remedy—Spirit-empowered servant leadership—provides a template for contemporary churches: recognize neglect promptly, act justly, and thereby manifest the gospel’s integrity and love.

Forms and Transliterations

παρεθεωρουντο παρεθεωρούντο παρεθεωροῦντο paretheorounto paretheoroûnto paretheōrounto paretheōroûnto

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 6:1 V-IIM/P-3P
GRK: Ἐβραίους ὅτι παρεθεωροῦντο ἐν τῇ
NAS: their widows were being overlooked in the daily
KJV: widows were neglected in
INT: Hebrews because were overlooked in the

Strong's Greek 3865
1 Occurrence

παρεθεωροῦντο — 1 Occ.