παραρρέω

I am lost, perish, drift away

Definition

The verb παραρρέω (pararreō) literally means 'to flow past' or 'to glide by,' but in its biblical usage, it takes on a metaphorical sense of spiritual drifting or slipping away. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 2:1, it describes the danger of neglecting the great salvation in Christ, causing one's attention and commitment to 'drift away' from the truth. This implies a gradual, often unnoticed, process of spiritual decline rather than a sudden, deliberate rejection. The word thus encompasses the ideas of being lost, perishing, or falling away from a steadfast position of faith and duty.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 2:1: 'Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.' It is employed in a paraenetic (exhortatory) context within a theologically rich epistle, warning the community of believers against spiritual complacency and the passive neglect of the gospel message. The usage highlights a pattern in Hebrews of urging steadfastness and warning against apostasy.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside, alongside,' and the verb ῥέω (rheō), meaning 'to flow.' The compound thus literally means 'to flow beside' or 'to flow past.' This literal sense of something slipping by or gliding away naturally developed into the metaphorical meaning of drifting from a secure position, which is how it is used in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the subtle nature of spiritual decline. It warns against passive neglect rather than active rebellion, emphasizing that believers can slowly 'drift' from salvation through inattention. This enriches the reading of Hebrews 2:1 by highlighting the need for active, continual engagement with God's revelation in Christ. It relates directly to doctrines of perseverance, sanctification, and the warnings against apostasy.

In a Greco-Roman setting, the literal meaning of 'flowing past' could be applied to ships drifting past a harbor or missing a landmark due to inattention—a vivid image for an audience familiar with sea travel. This cultural metaphor powerfully illustrates the spiritual danger of not actively steering one's life according to the truth, making the warning in Hebrews 2:1 immediately tangible.

παραπίπτω (parapiptō, G3895) — to fall away, often implying a more definite transgression or deviation; ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, G868) — to depart, revolt, or fall away, with a stronger sense of deliberate standing away from something.

Word Details

Scripture References