Berean Strong's Lexicon paroimia: Proverb, parable, figure of speech, allegory Original Word: παροιμία Word Origin: Derived from παρά (para, "beside") and οἶμος (oimos, "way" or "path"), indicating something that is alongside the direct path, often implying a figurative or indirect meaning. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with "paroimia" is מָשָׁל (mashal, Strong's H4912), which also means proverb or parable. Usage: The term "paroimia" is used in the New Testament to denote a saying that conveys a deeper or hidden meaning, often through metaphor or allegory. It is typically employed to communicate spiritual truths in a manner that requires contemplation and insight to understand fully. In the context of Jesus' teachings, "paroimia" often refers to parables or figurative language used to reveal truths about the Kingdom of God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures, proverbs and parables were common teaching tools. They were used to convey wisdom and moral lessons in a memorable and engaging way. Jewish tradition, in particular, valued parables as a means of teaching the Torah and illustrating complex theological concepts. Jesus' use of parables was consistent with this tradition, allowing Him to communicate profound truths to those willing to seek understanding while concealing them from those who were not receptive. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paroimos (by the way) Definition a byword, a parable, an allegory NASB Translation figurative language (2), figure of speech (2), proverb (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3942: παροιμίαπαροιμία, παροιμίας, ἡ (παρά by, aside from (cf. παρά, IV. 2), and οἶμος way), properly, a saying out of the usual course or deviating from the usual manner of speaking (cf. Suidas 654, 15; but Hesychius under the word, et al., 'a saying heard by the wayside' (παρά, IV. 1), i. e. a current or trite saying, proverb; cf. Curtius, § 611; Stephanus' Thesaurus, under the word), hence, 1. a clever and sententious saying, a proverb (Aeschylus Ag. 264; Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, others; examples from Philo are given by Hilgenfeld, Die Evangelien, p. 292f (as de ebriet. § 20; de Abr. § 40; de vit. Moys. i. § 28; ii. § 5; de exsecrat. § 6); for מָשָׁל in Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 25:1 the Alex. manuscript; Sir. 6:35, etc.): τό τῆς παροιμίας, what is in the proverb (Lucian, dial. mort. 6, 2; 8, 1), 2 Peter 2:22. 2. any dark saying which shadows forth some didactic truth, especially a symbolic or figurative saying: παροιμίαν λέγειν, John 16:29; ἐν παροιμίαις λαλεῖν, ibid. 25; "speech or discourse in which a thing is illustrated by the use of similes and comparisons; an allegory, i. e. extended and elaborate metaphor": John 10:6. From a compound of para and perhaps a derivative of oiomai; apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e. (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration -- parable, proverb. see GREEK para see GREEK oiomai Englishman's Concordance John 10:6 N-AFSGRK: Ταύτην τὴν παροιμίαν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς NAS: This figure of speech Jesus spoke KJV: This parable spake Jesus INT: This the allegory spoke to them John 16:25 N-DFP John 16:25 N-DFP John 16:29 N-AFS 2 Peter 2:22 N-GFS Strong's Greek 3942 |