3905. parateinó

Lexical Summary

parateinó: To extend, to prolong, to stretch out

Original Word: παρατείνω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: parateinó
Pronunciation: pah-rah-TAY-no
Phonetic Spelling: (par-at-i'-no)
KJV: continue
NASB: prolonged
Word Origin: [from G3844 (παρά - than) and teino "to stretch"]

1. to extend along, i.e. prolong (in point of time)

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 Origin
from para and teinó (to stretch)
Definition
to extend, prolong
NASB Translation
prolonged (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3905: παρατείνω

παρατείνω: 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.
2. Stewardship of Time: The narrative illustrates that time should be subordinated to spiritual need; the church stays late rather than truncate instruction.
3. Perseverance in Ministry: Parateinō parallels Paul’s later testimony, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial” (Acts 20:20), displaying commitment to complete, thorough teaching.
4. Communal Hunger for Truth: The believers’ tolerance for a lengthy address (even after Eutychus’ accident and recovery, Acts 20:9–12) depicts a congregation eager for doctrinal depth.

Ministry Implications

• Preachers may, when circumstance warrants, extend exposition beyond customary limits, provided the motive is pastoral care rather than personal indulgence.
• Congregations should cultivate an appetite for substantive teaching, valuing truth over convenience.
• Leaders preparing to transition or depart—whether missionaries, pastors, or elders—can follow Paul’s model: invest concentrated time in final instruction and encouragement (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6–8).

Practical Application

1. Personal Devotion: Believers can “stretch out” devotional time when pressing needs arise, trusting that spiritual investment yields eternal fruit.
2. Corporate Gathering: Churches might schedule extended seasons of teaching (retreats, conferences, all-night vigils) to deepen understanding of Scripture.
3. Discipleship: Mentors should not hesitate to spend prolonged periods with protégés, imparting comprehensive doctrine and life application.

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 paréteinén

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 20:7 V-IIA-3S
GRK: τῇ ἐπαύριον παρέτεινέν τε τὸν
NAS: the next day, and he prolonged his message
KJV: and continued his speech
INT: on the next day he continued moreover the

Strong's Greek 3905
1 Occurrence

παρέτεινέν — 1 Occ.