πάρειμι

I am present, am near

Definition

The verb πάρειμι (pareimi) primarily means 'to be present' or 'to be near,' indicating physical presence in a location. In some contexts, it carries the sense of 'to have arrived' or 'to have come,' emphasizing the action of coming to be present, as seen when Jesus tells his brothers, 'My time is not yet here, but your time is always present (πάρειμι)' (John 7:6). It can also imply being available or at hand, such as when the crowd was 'present (παρόντες)' at a certain time (Luke 13:1). The word does not typically convey a metaphorical or spiritual presence, focusing instead on tangible, immediate existence in a place.

Biblical Usage

πάρειμι is used 22 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles. It often describes people being physically present at an event or location, such as the crowd present when Pilate mingled blood with sacrifices (Luke 13:1) or the Jews who were present before Pilate (Acts 12:20). In Acts, it frequently marks the arrival or presence of individuals for a specific purpose, like Cornelius's men who 'have arrived (πάρεισιν)' (Acts 10:21) or the brethren who were 'present (παρόντες)' with Paul (Acts 17:6). The usage is straightforward, emphasizing concrete presence rather than abstract states.

Etymology

πάρειμι is a compound Greek word formed from the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside' or 'near,' and the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning 'I am.' Literally, it means 'I am beside' or 'I am near.' This construction directly conveys the core idea of being present in proximity. It is related to the noun παρουσία (parousia, G3952), which means 'presence' or 'coming,' often used for Christ's second coming, sharing the root concept of arrival and being at hand.

Semantic Range

While πάρειμι itself is a common verb for physical presence, its connection to παρουσία (parousia) is theologically significant. Understanding πάρειμι enriches the reading of passages about Christ's presence, as it grounds the concept in the basic idea of tangible arrival and being near. For instance, in John 7:6, Jesus contrasts his brothers' always being 'present' (πάρειμι) with his own appointed 'time,' hinting at the divine timing of his messianic manifestation. This highlights how God's plan involves a purposeful presence rather than a mere incidental one.

In the Greco-Roman world, being physically present (πάρειμι) was crucial for legal, social, and religious activities. A person's presence often carried weight in testimony, business agreements, or official proceedings, as seen in Acts where presence before authorities is noted (Acts 10:33, 12:20). Unlike modern concepts of virtual or representative presence, πάρειμι implied direct, bodily involvement. This cultural emphasis on physical presence makes its biblical usage concrete, underscoring the importance of actual participation in events.

εἰμί (eimi, G1510) — The basic verb 'to be,' without the specific nuance of being near or present. πάρεδρος (paredros, G0) — A noun meaning 'one who sits beside,' an assistant, focusing on close attendant presence rather than general presence. ἥκω (hēkō, G2240) — Means 'to have come' or 'to be present,' emphasizing the arrival aspect more strongly than πάρειμι.

Word Details

Scripture References