παρίημι

I neglect, omit, slacken

Definition

The verb παρίημι (pariēmi) means to let go, relax, or neglect. In its active sense, it can describe physically letting something pass by or slackening, such as loosening a grip. Figuratively, it refers to neglecting a duty or omitting an action. In the passive voice, as seen in its sole New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 12:12, it takes on the meaning 'to become weary,' 'to droop,' or 'to hang down,' specifically describing weakened hands. This range shows a movement from an active release to a resulting state of exhaustion or laxity.

Biblical Usage

παρίημι is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:12. Here, it is in the passive participle form (παριέμενοι), meaning 'drooping' or 'weary.' The author exhorts believers to 'strengthen your drooping hands and weakened knees.' The usage is metaphorical, addressing spiritual discouragement and fatigue within the Christian community undergoing hardship.

Etymology

παρίημι is a compound verb formed from παρά (para, 'beside') and ἵημι (hiēmi, 'to send, to let go'). The basic idea is 'to let go beside' or 'to let slip.' This root meaning evolved to encompass neglect (letting something pass by) and the physical/emotional state of slackening or drooping (having let go of strength).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in its single use. In Hebrews 12:12, it paints a vivid picture of the spiritual fatigue that can result from prolonged discipline or suffering (Hebrews 12:4-11). The command to strengthen 'drooping hands' directly follows the teaching on God's fatherly discipline, linking the human experience of weariness with the divine purpose of training. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting that the weariness is not just internal feeling but an observable, physical metaphor for a loss of resolve and active faith that requires communal encouragement and correction.

The imagery of 'drooping hands' and 'weak knees' was a common metaphor in Greek literature and the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament, e.g., Isaiah 35:3) for discouragement, defeat, or exhaustion. In an athletic or military context, it described a fighter whose guard has fallen or a runner whose form has collapsed. The original audience would have immediately understood this as a call to rally from a state of demoralization and to regain a posture of readiness and strength.

ἐγκακέω (enkakeō, G1573) — to lose heart, become discouraged (focus on inner attitude); ἀσθενέω (astheneō, G770) — to be weak, sick (broader term for lack of strength); ὀκνέω (okneō, G3635) — to shrink from, hesitate, be slow (focus on reluctance to act).

Word Details

Scripture References