ἀντιπαρέρχομαι

I pass opposite

Definition

ἀντιπαρέρχομαι means 'to pass by on the opposite side' or 'to go by on the other side.' It describes a deliberate act of moving past something while maintaining distance, specifically by choosing the path directly across from it. In its two New Testament occurrences, both in Luke 10:31-32, it carries the strong connotation of avoidance or purposeful distancing from a person in need. The word does not have significantly different senses between its uses; it consistently depicts a spatial and moral choice to not engage.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used exclusively in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). It appears twice to describe the actions of the priest and the Levite who, upon seeing the wounded man, 'passed by on the other side' (Luke 10:31, 32). Its usage is highly contextual and narrative, serving to starkly contrast their avoidance with the Samaritan's compassionate engagement. The pattern highlights a failure of religious duty through deliberate physical and social distancing.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀντί (anti), meaning 'opposite' or 'against,' combined with παρέρχομαι (parerchomai), a common verb meaning 'to pass by' or 'to go past.' Thus, it literally means 'to pass by opposite.' The prefix ἀντί intensifies the sense of being directly across or in opposition to the path of encounter.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly illustrates the failure of religious obligation and the nature of sin as omission. In the parable, the priest and Levite, who represent the Law and Temple service, technically avoid ritual impurity but violate the greater commandment of love (Leviticus 19:18). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing their active, deliberate choice to distance themselves, which Jesus contrasts with the Samaritan's mercy, redefining 'neighbor' in the kingdom of God.

In the cultural setting, a wounded traveler on the Jericho road was a common danger. For a priest or Levite, touching a potentially dead body would cause ritual defilement, complicating their temple duties. 'Passing by on the other side' was a recognizable action of avoiding legal and ritual complication. However, Jesus's parable uses this cultural understanding to shock his audience by elevating compassionate action over ritual purity, a radical teaching for his time.

παρέρχομαι (parerchomai, G3928) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to pass by,' without the connotation of deliberate opposition or avoidance.

Word Details

Scripture References