παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi)
paradidōmi
to deliver
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 118 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb paradidōmi means to hand over or deliver something into someone else’s care or control. Its basic sense is neutral, describing a simple transfer of responsibility. In everyday usage found in papyri, it might refer to handing over keys to an oil press or entrusting a woman to the protection of faithful men until her son returns. The word simply marks the moment one party yields possession or authority to another.
In the New Testament, however, the term carries significant theological and narrative weight because of who is being handed over and why. It frequently describes Jesus being delivered into the hands of sinful men or Roman authorities, as seen in Matthew 26:24-25 where Judas identifies the one who will betray him. The word also appears when Paul speaks of God not withholding His own Son but delivering Him up for all of us (Romans 8:32), highlighting a voluntary surrender rather than a forced capture.
Paradidōmi also covers the transmission of teachings and traditions, such as when Paul reminds the Corinthians that he passed on to them what he had received regarding the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23). This dual usage—physical delivery and verbal transmission—shows how the early church understood both the handing over of Christ’s body and the handing down of the gospel message. The word bridges the gap between historical events and the ongoing life of the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a transfer of control, whether it involves handing over keys to a servant or delivering a person into authority. In the New Testament, it carries deep weight because it often points to Jesus being handed over by those who knew Him. This act was not merely a political arrest but part of a divine plan where God gave up His Son for humanity.
When we read that Jesus was 'delivered up,' we see both human failure and divine love at work. Judas betrayed Him, yet this very delivery became the means of our salvation. The word also reminds us that all authority comes from above. Even in moments when we feel abandoned or misunderstood, we can trust that God is sovereign over every handover, using even difficult circumstances for His purposes.
For your faith, this offers comfort. You are not left to manage life’s betrayals or uncertainties alone. The same God who delivered His Son into the hands of men also holds you in His care. When things feel out of control, remember that no hand is stronger than His.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 118 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- delivered7×
- will betray6×
- gave up6×
- betraying5×
- he may betray4×
- was delivered3×
- they will betray3×
- is betraying3×
- he delivered3×
- having betrayed3×
- I delivered3×
- you did deliver;2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρέδωκεν18×
- παραδώσουσιν7×
- παραδιδοὺς7×
- παρέδωκαν5×
- παραδώσει5×
- παρέδωκα4×
- παρεδόθη4×
- παραδίδοται4×
- παραδῷ3×
- παραδοῦναι3×
- παραδοῖ3×
- παραδοὺς3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:24
The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”
This verse highlights the tragedy of betrayal while affirming that Jesus’ delivery was part of what was written, showing God’s sovereignty even in human sin.
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Matthew 20:18
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death,
Here Jesus predicts His own delivery to religious leaders and Gentiles, emphasizing His voluntary submission to the path of the cross.
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Matthew 25:20
He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents in addition to them.’
In this parable, the master 'delivered' talents to his servants, illustrating how God entrusts resources and responsibilities to His people.
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Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
Jesus tells disciples not to worry about what to say when delivered up, promising that the Holy Spirit will provide words in those critical moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word paradidōmi mean?
How is paradidōmi different from other words for betrayal?
Why is this word important for understanding the crucifixion?
Every Occurrence (118 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 31 verses
Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
Matthew 5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the…
Matthew 10:4Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 10:17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Matthew 10:19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you…
Matthew 10:21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause…
Matthew 11:27All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know…
Matthew 17:22While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of…
Matthew 18:34His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him.
Matthew 20:18“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they…
Matthew 20:19and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Matthew 24:9“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s…
Matthew 24:10Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.
Matthew 25:14“For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them.
Matthew 25:20He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five…
Matthew 25:22“He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another…
Matthew 26:2“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:15and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of…
Matthew 26:16From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 26:21As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”
Matthew 26:23He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me.
Matthew 26:24The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would…
Matthew 26:25Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”
Matthew 26:45Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and…
Matthew 26:46Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”
Matthew 26:48Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”
Matthew 27:2They bound him, led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.
Matthew 27:3Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…
Matthew 27:4saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”
Matthew 27:18For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.
Matthew 27:26Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.