Lexical Summary paraporeuomai: To pass by, to go past, to travel along Original Word: παραπορεύομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go past, pass by. From para and poreuomai; to travel near -- go, pass (by). see GREEK para see GREEK poreuomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and poreuomai Definition to go beside or past NASB Translation go (1), passing (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3899: παραπορεύομαιπαραπορεύομαι; imperfect παρεπορευομην; from Aristotle and Polybius down; the Sept. for עָבַר; to proceed at the side, go past, pass by: Matthew 27:39; Mark 11:20; Mark 15:29; διά τῶν σπορίμων, to go along through the grain-fields so that he had the grain on either side of him as he walked (see ποιέω, I. 1 a. and c.), Mark 2:23 R G T WH marginal reading; διά τῆς Γαλιλαίας, Vulg.praetergredi Galilaeam, i. e. "obiter proficisci per Galilaeam," i. e. 'they passed right along through, intent on finishing the journey, and not stopping to receive hospitality or to instruct the people' (Fritzsche), Mark 9:30 (but L text Tr text WH text ἐπορεύοντο); διά τῶν ὁρίων, Deuteronomy 2:4. (Synonym: cf. παραβαίνω, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Narrative Function The verb embodies the simple act of moving past or along something, yet in Scripture it frequently becomes a literary device that frames revelation or opposition. When people “pass by,” the Word of God, the person of Christ, or an event in redemptive history is placed in front of them for a decisive response. The action is never neutral: passing by Jesus either produces faith-filled recognition or hardened rejection. Occurrences in the Gospels • Mark 2:23 – As Jesus and His disciples “were passing through the grainfields,” their movement sets up the Sabbath discussion that reveals His lordship over the Sabbath itself. Theological Themes 1. Revelation in Everyday Movement The Lord’s instruction often arises while walking ordinary paths. A casual stroll through grainfields becomes a discourse on divine authority; a routine road through Galilee becomes a classroom on atonement. Scripture portrays no divide between sacred and secular terrain. 2. Response to the Crucified Christ In the Passion narratives, passing travelers supply a living parable of unbelief: proximity to the cross does not guarantee salvation. “Those passing by hurled abuse at Him” (Matthew 27:39). The verb exposes the danger of superficial exposure without repentance. 3. From Observation to Participation The disciples initially notice the withered fig tree only “as they were passing by” (Mark 11:20). Observers become participants when Jesus transforms a travel incident into a lesson on the power of believing prayer (Mark 11:22-25). Historical and Cultural Background Roadways around Galilee and Jerusalem were crowded during feast seasons. Pedestrians frequently hugged the edges of fields (Mark 2:23) or the Mount of Olives road (Mark 11:20). Roman execution sites were intentionally placed beside main routes so onlookers would “pass by” and take warning; thus the mockery at Calvary fulfilled both Roman intent and prophetic Scripture (Psalm 22:7; Lamentations 2:15). Christological Significance Jesus allows people to encounter Him in transit: At the cross, the One whom others merely pass by is the very Passover Lamb whose blood secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Missional Application Believers today likewise meet multitudes “along the way.” Evangelism often occurs in brief, passing encounters: a commuter conversation, a hospital corridor, an airport line. The Gospel of Mark portrays discipleship as mobile, suggesting readiness to turn ordinary movement into ministry moments (cf. Ephesians 5:15-16). Pastoral Reflection 1. Guard Against Familiarity Regular church attenders can resemble festival pilgrims who passed the cross without discernment. Pastors must press hearers beyond mere proximity to the Gospel toward personal trust in Christ. 2. Cultivate Alertness Just as the disciples noticed the withered fig tree while walking, Christians should develop spiritual perception in routine settings—seeing divine appointments where others see mere scenery. Liturgical and Devotional Use The verb invites contemplation during Holy Week processions. Congregations may read Matthew 27:39-44 and examine whether they merely pass by the cross or pause to worship. Likewise, personal meditation on Mark 11:20-25 can accompany daily commutes, turning travel time into intercession. Intertestamental and Septuagint Parallels Although the exact form is uncommon in the Septuagint, the imagery of passing by pivotal moments appears in Exodus 12:12-13 (the LORD “passes over”) and 1 Kings 19:11-13 (the LORD “passes by” Elijah). Each scene involves divine self-disclosure and a required human response, anticipating its New Testament usage. Doctrinal Emphasis The passages collectively affirm human accountability. Exposure to Christ’s words and works—even in fleeting moments—renders a verdict on the heart. The mocking passersby fulfill Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Conversely, the attentive disciples exemplify the faith that speaks to mountains. Related Concepts Journey, Way, Road, Pilgrimage, Encounter, Faith in Motion, Hardness of Heart, Divine Appointment. Summary Strong’s Greek 3899 depicts more than locomotion; it portrays pivotal meetings with God’s redemptive plan encountered in transit. Whether a disciple learning kingdom truths, or a scoffer rejecting the crucified King, every passerby is summoned to decision. Forms and Transliterations παραπορεύεσθαι παραπορεύεσθε παραπορευέσθωσαν παραπορεύεται παραπορευομένης παραπορευομενοι παραπορευόμενοι παραπορευομένοις παραπορευόμενον παραπορευόμενος παραπορευομένους παραπορεύση παραπορεύωνται παρεπορεύετο παρεπορεύθημεν παρεπορεύοντο paraporeuomenoi paraporeuómenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:39 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: Οἱ δὲ παραπορευόμενοι ἐβλασφήμουν αὐτὸν NAS: And those passing by were hurling abuse KJV: And they that passed by reviled him, INT: those moreover passing by railed at him Mark 2:23 V-PNM/P Mark 9:30 V-IIM/P-3P Mark 11:20 V-PPM/P-NMP Mark 15:29 V-PPM/P-NMP Strong's Greek 3899 |
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