Lexical Summary parateinó: To extend, to prolong, to stretch out Original Word: παρατείνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance continue. From para and teino (to stretch); to extend along, i.e. Prolong (in point of time) -- continue. see GREEK para NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and teinó (to stretch) Definition to extend, prolong NASB Translation prolonged (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3905: παρατείνωπαρατείνω: 1 aorist παρετεινα; from Herodotus down; to extend beside, to stretch out lengthwise, to extend; to prolong: τόν λόγον, his discourse, Acts 20:7 (λόγους, Aristotle, poet. 17; 5, p. 1455b, 2; μυθον, 9, 4, p. 1451b, 38). Topical Lexicon Linguistic Overview Parateinō carries the idea of “stretching out” or “prolonging,” whether of physical objects (e.g., a bowstring) or of time. In Acts 20:7 the sense is temporal: Paul “stretched out” his address, lengthening the teaching period for the benefit of the gathered believers. Biblical Context and Usage Acts 20:7 records its sole New Testament appearance: “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, he kept on talking until midnight.” (Acts 20:7) The verb underscores the extraordinary duration of Paul’s discourse in Troas. Combined with διελέγετο (“spoke/discussed”), it paints a picture of interactive, sustained instruction rather than a brief monologue. The setting—“the first day of the week”—shows the Christian community already gathering on what would become known as the Lord’s Day, integrating fellowship (“break bread”) and doctrine. Historical Setting Paul is on his third missionary journey, travelling from Macedonia toward Jerusalem (circa A.D. 56–57). Troas is a strategic port city where believers assemble in an upper room lit by “many lamps” (Acts 20:8). Paul anticipates imminent departure; the extended teaching session reflects his pastoral urgency to equip the flock before leaving. Theological Themes 1. Priority of the Word: Paul’s willingness to prolong teaching affirms Scripture’s centrality in corporate worship. Ministry Implications • Preachers may, when circumstance warrants, extend exposition beyond customary limits, provided the motive is pastoral care rather than personal indulgence. Practical Application 1. Personal Devotion: Believers can “stretch out” devotional time when pressing needs arise, trusting that spiritual investment yields eternal fruit. Summary Strong’s Greek 3905 spotlights a single, vivid scene in which Paul lengthens his teaching to meet the spiritual hunger of the Troas assembly. The verb parateinō thus becomes a lens through which the early church’s devotion to Scripture, readiness to sacrifice comfort, and urgency in equipping saints are clearly seen—principles that remain instructive for contemporary discipleship and worship. Forms and Transliterations παρατείνον παράτεινον παρατείνοντα παρατείνουσαν παρατενεί παρέτεινέ παρετεινεν παρέτεινέν pareteinen paréteinénLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |