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παραγίνομαι (paraginomai)

paraginomai

to come

G3854 · Greek · New Testament · 38 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
38 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb paraginomai simply means to come, arrive, or appear. It is a common word in the New Testament, appearing thirty-eight times, with a heavy concentration in Luke and Acts. The sources note that it often serves as a practical synonym for other words meaning "to go" or "to be present," describing people moving from one place to another.

Its usage varies slightly depending on context. Sometimes it describes individuals arriving at a specific location, such as John the Baptist appearing in the wilderness (Matthew 3:1) or Jesus coming to the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13). In other instances, like in Acts 5:21-22, it refers to the apostles coming forward to teach publicly. The prefix para suggests being "beside" or "near," giving the word a sense of drawing close to a person or place.

Translators typically render this word as "come," though occasionally as "go" or "be present." It lacks the intense emotional weight of some other biblical verbs; instead, it provides a straightforward narrative marker for movement and arrival in the gospel accounts.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word paraginomai is a simple but steady verb meaning to come or arrive. It does not carry heavy theological weight on its own, yet it marks the moments when God’s people move toward one another and toward Christ. In the Gospels, we see Jesus coming to the Jordan, John coming to preach, and friends coming to ask for help. These arrivals are ordinary events, but they become the setting for divine encounters.

For your daily life, this word reminds us that presence matters. When you come to prayer, when you visit a friend in need, or when you gather with other believers, you are participating in the same rhythm of arrival that fills the New Testament. God meets us in these moments of coming together. You do not need grand gestures; simply showing up is enough for grace to work.

Consider how Jesus responded when people came to him. He did not turn them away because their arrival was late or awkward. He received them. This invites you to approach God with honesty and humility, knowing that your coming is always welcome.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • having come5×
  • having arrived5×
  • Having come4×
  • comes2×
  • arrived2×
  • I came2×
  • Having arrived2×
  • they were coming1×
  • they had come1×
  • she came1×
  • may have arrived.1×
  • is come1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • παραγενόμενος8×
  • παραγενόμενοι5×
  • παρεγένοντο4×
  • παραγίνεται3×
  • παρεγένετο2×
  • παρεγενόμην2×
  • Παρεγένετο2×
  • Παραγενόμενος2×
  • παρεγίνοντο1×
  • παρεγένετο,1×
  • παραγένωνται.1×
  • παραγένωμαι,1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 3:13
    Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

    This verse shows Jesus himself initiating the act of coming to John at the Jordan, modeling humble obedience before his public ministry begins.

  • Luke 7:4
    When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him,

    The elders come to Jesus with a specific request, showing how this word marks the moment human need meets divine availability.

  • Acts 10:33
    Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.”

    Cornelius uses this word to describe his gathering of household members, highlighting that communal arrival is a prerequisite for hearing God's command.

  • John 8:2
    Now very early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down and taught them.

    Here the word describes Jesus returning to the temple daily, establishing a pattern of consistent presence for teaching and healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word paraginomai mean?

Paraginomai is a verb that simply means to come, arrive, or appear. It is used throughout the New Testament to describe people moving from one place to another, such as Jesus coming to the Jordan or disciples coming to Jerusalem.

How is paraginomai different from erchomai?

While both words mean to come, erchomai is more common and can carry a broader range of meanings including 'to go' or 'to be born.' Paraginomai often emphasizes the arrival at a specific point or the act of appearing in a particular context.

Why does this word appear so often in Acts?

Acts is a narrative of movement and expansion. The early church spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Paraginomai marks these physical journeys as the apostles and believers arrive in new places to share the gospel.

Does this word have a spiritual meaning beyond physical arrival?

Primarily it describes physical movement, but in biblical context, arriving often signifies readiness to receive God’s word or grace. When people come to Jesus, they position themselves to encounter him, making the physical act spiritually significant.

Every Occurrence (38 verses across 8 books)

Matthew 3 verses
Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to…

Matthew 3:1

In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,

Matthew 3:13

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

Mark 1 verse
Luke 8 verses
John 2 verses
Acts 21 verses
I Corinthians 1 verse
II Timothy 1 verse
Hebrews 1 verse