παραβαίνω
I transgress
Definition
The verb παραβαίνω primarily means 'to transgress' or 'to overstep' a boundary, law, or command. In its biblical usage, it often carries the sense of willfully violating a known standard, as seen when Jesus accuses the Pharisees of 'transgressing the commandment of God' for the sake of their tradition (Matthew 15:2-3). It can also mean 'to depart' or 'to turn aside' from a path or position, used literally of Judas departing from his apostolic ministry (Acts 1:25). In 2 John 1:9, it describes someone who 'goes too far' or 'transgresses' by not abiding in the teaching of Christ.
Biblical Usage
This word is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Acts), Gospel dialogue (Matthew), and a general epistle (2 John). In Matthew 15:2-3, it is used in a legal-religious context of breaking God's commandments. In Acts 1:25, it describes a literal departure from a role or place of service. In 2 John 1:9, it conveys the idea of doctrinal transgression or overstepping proper bounds of teaching. The pattern shows it applies to both concrete and abstract boundaries.
Etymology
Derived from παρά (para, 'beside' or 'alongside') and βαίνω (bainō, 'to go' or 'to walk'). Literally, it means 'to go beside' or 'to go beyond,' hence 'to overstep.' This compound vividly pictures stepping over a line or deviating from a set path.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it defines the nature of sin as a deliberate transgression of God's revealed will. It highlights the active, willful component in disobedience, contrasting with accidental or ignorant sin. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that Jesus (Matthew 15:3) and John (2 John 1:9) are describing a conscious departure from divine command or doctrine, not a mere mistake.
In a Greco-Roman and Jewish context, the concept of 'transgressing' a law or boundary was serious, implying a breach of social, religious, or legal order. The Pharisees' accusation in Matthew 15:2 reflects a cultural emphasis on ritual and traditional boundaries, which Jesus re-centers on the heart of God's command.
ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō, G264) — a broader term for missing the mark or sinning. παρανομέω (paranomeō, G3891) — to act contrary to law, emphasizing lawbreaking. ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, G868) — to revolt or desert, focusing on departure or rebellion.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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