παρατίθημι

I set before, serve, entrust to

Definition

The verb παρατίθημι (paratithēmi) carries three primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it literally means 'to set before' or 'serve,' especially in the context of food, as when Jesus sets a meal before the multitudes (Mark 6:41, Luke 9:16). Second, in a metaphorical and relational sense, it means 'to entrust' or 'deposit with,' describing the act of committing something valuable to another's care, such as Paul entrusting teachings to faithful followers (2 Timothy 2:2). Third, it can mean 'to present' or 'bring forward' for consideration, as in presenting an argument or evidence, though this usage is less common in the NT.

Biblical Usage

παρατίθημι is used 18 times across the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline epistles. Its most frequent usage is in the literal, culinary context within the Synoptic Gospels, describing Jesus serving food during the feedings of the 5,000 and 4,000 (Mark 8:6-7). The metaphorical sense of 'entrusting' appears in pastoral contexts, such as Paul's charge to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 2:2) and Peter's instruction to entrust one's soul to God (1 Peter 4:19). The single instance in Luke 11:6, where a friend asks for bread to 'set before' a traveler, blends the literal and hospitable senses.

Etymology

The word is a compound from the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside' or 'alongside,' and the common verb τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning 'to put' or 'to place.' Thus, the core idea is 'to place beside' someone. This root meaning naturally extends to placing food beside someone (serving), placing a teaching or responsibility beside someone (entrusting), or placing an idea beside someone for consideration (presenting).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges the mundane and the sacred. In the Gospels, it is used in the miraculous feedings, highlighting Jesus's role as provider and host of the messianic banquet. In the epistles, the act of 'entrusting' sound teaching (2 Timothy 2:2) is central to the faithful transmission of the gospel across generations. Furthermore, the believer's act of entrusting their soul to God (1 Peter 4:19) encapsulates the core posture of faith and stewardship in the Christian life.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the act of 'setting food before' someone was a fundamental gesture of hospitality, protection, and community. It established a bond between host and guest. The metaphorical extension to 'entrusting' draws on the cultural practice of depositing valuables with a trusted friend for safekeeping, a common necessity in an era without formal banking. Understanding this cultural backdrop enriches the reading of passages about hospitality and discipleship.

δίδωμι (didōmi, G1325) — A more general verb for 'to give,' lacking the specific nuance of 'setting before' or 'entrusting as a deposit.' ἀνατίθεμαι (anatithemai, G394) — Means 'to lay before' or 'set forth,' often in the sense of explaining or relating a narrative (e.g., Galatians 2:2), but does not carry the strong sense of personal entrustment for safekeeping.

Word Details

Scripture References