παραγγέλλω

Pronunciation Guide: par-ang-GEL-loh

Quick Answer: παραγγέλλω (parangellō) means “to transmit a message with authority” or “to command.” This Greek word appears 30 times in the New Testament and carries the dual sense of both communicating important information and giving authoritative orders. Unlike casual speech, παραγγέλλω conveys messages that demand response and action.

What Does παραγγέλλω Mean?

Strong’s G3853: παραγγέλλω fundamentally means “to transmit a message along from one to another” and “to command, order, charge.” This powerful Greek verb encompasses both the communication of vital information and the exercise of legitimate authority. When the Messiah used παραγγέλλω, He wasn’t merely suggesting or advising—He was issuing divine directives that carried the full weight of heaven’s authority. The word implies a chain of communication where an important message is passed along with the expectation of obedience and action. In the biblical context, παραγγέλλω represents יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) method of transmitting His will through authorized messengers, whether prophets, apostles, or the Messiah Himself.

Key Insight: παραγγέλλω bridges communication and authority—it’s not just what is said, but who has the right to say it.

Where Does παραγγέλλω Come From?

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: παρά (para, “through, near”) + ἀγγέλλω (angellō, “carry, deliver, announce”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek, used “from Aeschylus and Herodotus down”
• Primary Usage: Military commands, official proclamations, authoritative instructions
• Hebrew Equivalents: צָוָה (tsavah) – “to command, charge, appoint, ordain”

What Is the Historical and Cultural Context of παραγγέλλω?

The etymology of παραγγέλλω reveals fascinating insights into ancient communication systems. Composed of παρά (“through” or “alongside”) and ἀγγέλλω (“to announce” or “carry a message”), the word literally describes the transmission of a message from one person to another in a chain of communication. Classical authors like Aeschylus and Herodotus employed this term, establishing its literary pedigree long before the New Testament era.

Military Origins and Usage

In classical Greek military contexts, παραγγέλλω described how commands traveled down the chain of command. One lexicon notes it was “used esp. of the order of a military commander to his troops”, distinguishing it from other command words by its emphasis on official, structured communication. When a general issued a παραγγέλλω, it carried not just personal authority but institutional weight—failure to obey could result in court-martial or death.

Distinction from Other Command Words

Ancient Greek possessed several words for commanding, each with distinct nuances: κελεύω (keleuo) “designates verbal orders, coming usually from a superior,” while ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai) “is used esp. of those whose office or position invests them with claims.” παραγγέλλω differs by denoting “fixed and abiding obligations rather than specific or occasional instructions, duties arising from the office rather than coming from the personal will of a superior.”

Hebrew Background

The Septuagint translators chose παραγγέλλω to render the Hebrew צָוָה (tsavah), which carries profound theological implications. The Hebrew root originally meant “to show or point out a path” rather than merely barking orders. Ancient Hebrew understanding viewed commands not as arbitrary orders but as divine direction and guidance. This background enriches our understanding of how New Testament authors employed παραγγέλλω.

Historical Summary: παραγγέλλω evolved from military chain-of-command communications to become the New Testament’s preferred word for authoritative divine instruction.

How Is παραγγέλλω Used in the Bible?

παραγγέλλω appears 30 times throughout the New Testament, with the KJV translating it as “command” (20x), “charge” (6x), “give commandment” (1x), “give charge” (1x), “declare” (1x), and “give in charge” (1x). The word appears consistently across the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles, indicating its importance in apostolic vocabulary.

Usage Patterns

The verb frequently appears in contexts where Jesus or the apostles issue instructions that demand obedience. Unlike suggestions or advice, these παραγγέλλω statements carry divine authority and expect immediate compliance. The word often introduces teachings about spiritual conduct, church order, and evangelistic activity.

In Acts, παραγγέλλω describes apostolic commands to new believers and church communities. Paul uses it extensively in his epistles to establish church discipline and doctrinal boundaries. The word creates a sense of apostolic authority transmitted from the Messiah through His chosen representatives.

Usage Summary: παραγγέλλω establishes a clear hierarchy of divine authority flowing from יהוה through Messiah to apostles to believers.

Key Biblical Passages:

• Matthew 10:5 – “These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded [παραγγέλλω] them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.’”
• Luke 5:14 – “And He charged [παραγγέλλω] him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.’”
• Acts 1:4 – “And, being assembled together with them, commanded [παραγγέλλω] them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.”
• Acts 16:18 – “But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command [παραγγέλλω] you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!’ And he came out that very hour.”
• 1 Corinthians 7:10 – “Now to the married I command [παραγγέλλω], yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11 – “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded [παραγγέλλω] you.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – “But we command [παραγγέλλω] you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly.”

How Should παραγγέλλω Be Translated?

Translation Tip: Context determines whether παραγγέλλω should be rendered as “command,” “charge,” “instruct,” or “order”—but all carry authoritative weight.

παραγγέλλω Translation Options:

What Does παραγγέλλω Teach Us About God?

παραγγέλλω reveals profound truths about יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) character and His relationship with humanity. When the Messiah employed this word, He demonstrated that divine communication isn’t casual conversation but authoritative direction from heaven’s throne room. The word shows us that our Creator doesn’t merely offer suggestions—He provides clear guidance backed by His absolute authority and perfect love.

This Greek verb illuminates יהוה’s systematic approach to communication. Just as παραγγέλλω described the orderly transmission of commands through military ranks, our Heavenly Father established clear channels of divine revelation. He spoke through prophets, through His Son, and through apostles—each παραγγέλλω carrying the full weight of divine authority. This reveals a God of order, not chaos, who ensures His will is clearly communicated to those who will listen.

The use of παραγγέλλω also demonstrates יהוה’s patience and mercy. Rather than simply enforcing His will through divine power, He chooses to communicate it through words that can be understood and obeyed. Each παραγγέλλω represents an invitation to align with heaven’s purposes—a gracious opportunity to walk in righteousness.

Theological Core: παραγγέλλω reveals יהוה as the ultimate Authority who communicates His will clearly and expects joyful obedience.

How Can I Apply παραγγέλλω to My Life?

Understanding παραγγέλλω challenges us to examine our response to divine authority. When Scripture presents a παραγγέλλω from the Messiah or His apostles, it demands more than intellectual acknowledgment—it requires active obedience. This isn’t about rigid legalism but about recognizing the loving authority of our Creator who knows what’s best for His children.

Consider how you respond when Scripture issues a clear παραγγέλλω. Do you treat biblical commands as suggestions to consider, or as authoritative direction from heaven? The Holy Spirit empowers us to obey these divine παραγγέλλω statements, transforming them from burdensome obligations into joyful expressions of love for our Savior. Each act of obedience to a biblical παραγγέλλω becomes an opportunity to demonstrate trust in יהוה’s perfect wisdom and goodness.

Self-Examination Questions: When Scripture issues a clear command, do I respond with immediate obedience or do I negotiate? How can I cultivate a heart that joyfully receives divine παραγγέλλω? What areas of my life resist the authoritative direction of God’s Word?

What Words Are Similar to παραγγέλλω?

Did You Know?

• What does παραγγέλλω mean in modern Greek? It still means “to order” or “to place an order,” particularly in commercial contexts like ordering food or merchandise.
• How did Aeschylus use παραγγέλλω? In his play “The Persians,” Aeschylus used it to describe military commanders giving orders, establishing its classical association with authoritative communication.
• What’s the difference between παραγγέλλω and κελεύω? παραγγέλλω denotes “fixed and abiding obligations rather than specific or occasional instructions,” while κελεύω typically refers to immediate verbal orders.
• Why does the Bible use παραγγέλλω in spiritual contexts? It emphasizes that biblical commands aren’t mere human opinions but divine directives transmitted through authorized channels—from יהוה to Messiah to apostles to us.
• How does παραγγέλλω relate to spiritual authority? The word establishes clear hierarchies of divine authority, showing that spiritual leadership involves faithfully transmitting heaven’s messages, not creating personal agendas.
• What causes confusion about biblical commands today? Many people treat divine παραγγέλλω statements as cultural suggestions rather than timeless authority, missing their binding nature across generations.
• The Hebrew connection reveals deep theology – The Hebrew צוה (tsavah) that παραγγέλλω often translates originally meant “to show or point out a path,” revealing that God’s commands are loving guidance, not arbitrary restrictions.

Remember This

Key Takeaway: παραγγέλλω represents divine authority in action—when יהוה speaks through His authorized messengers, He expects joyful obedience from His people.