παραγγελία (parangelia)
parangelia
order
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun parangelia refers to a formal instruction or command given by someone in authority. Derived from a verb meaning "to announce alongside" or "charge," it carries the weight of an official order rather than a casual suggestion. In the New Testament, this word appears only five times, primarily in the pastoral letters and Acts, where it describes the specific directives entrusted to leaders.
Its usage often highlights the seriousness of apostolic teaching. For instance, Paul speaks of holding to the commandment without spot or blame (1 Timothy 6:14), indicating a charge that must be preserved intact. Similarly, in Acts 16:24, the jailer receives orders from the magistrates, showing how the term applies to civil authority as well as spiritual oversight. The sources note its roots in military contexts, where it denotes a clear, binding order from a superior.
Translators typically render parangelia as "commandment," "charge," or "precept." This reflects its nature as a definitive rule of conduct. Unlike general advice, a parangelia is a specific mandate that shapes behavior and doctrine. Christians have understood these passages to emphasize the importance of faithful obedience to the teachings passed down from the apostles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about a parangelia in Scripture, we are encountering more than simple advice; it is a formal charge from an authority figure. In the ancient world, such orders carried the weight of law and duty, often used in military or official contexts. For the early Christians, these instructions were not optional suggestions but definitive mandates that shaped their community life and personal conduct.
This word reminds us that our faith rests on specific teachings passed down from the apostles. Paul’s letters frequently reference these charges as the foundation for how believers should live. Whether it is a directive to love sincerely or a warning against false teaching, these commands provide clear boundaries for our spiritual journey.
Understanding this concept helps us appreciate the seriousness of biblical instruction. It invites us to view Scripture not as abstract theory but as a living guide for obedience. By holding fast to these apostolic charges, we maintain the integrity of our witness and honor the trust placed in us by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of [our] instruction1×
- instructions1×
- charge1×
- by a charge1×
- an order1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραγγελίας2×
- παραγγελίαν2×
- παραγγελίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 4:2
For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
This verse highlights how Paul’s instructions were grounded in the Lord Jesus, showing that apostolic commands carry divine authority.
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I Timothy 1:5
But the goal of this command is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith,
Here the command is defined by its goal—love from a pure heart—indicating that obedience is meant to transform character rather than just enforce rules.
-
Acts 16:24
Having received such a command, he threw them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.
This occurrence shows the term applied to civil authority, illustrating how such formal orders were binding and enforced in daily life.