παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai)
paraiteomai
to refuse/excuse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paraiteomai describes the act of asking to be excused or declining an offer through polite entreaty. It carries a sense of respectful refusal, where one seeks to avoid something not out of rudeness, but by appealing for indulgence or understanding. In the Gospels, this nuance appears clearly when guests at a wedding feast use the word to decline an invitation, citing prior commitments as their reason for absence (Luke 14:18-19).
Its usage extends beyond social invitations into spiritual and moral contexts. In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul urges believers to paraiteomai from "foolish and ignorant disputes" (2 Timothy 2:23) and to shun "worldly myths" (1 Timothy 4:7). Here, the word implies a deliberate turning away from distractions that hinder spiritual growth. Similarly, Hebrews contrasts those who refuse to listen to God’s warning with those who fled for refuge, highlighting the serious consequences of rejecting divine counsel (Hebrews 12:25).
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix suggesting "beside" or "alongside" with a root meaning "to ask." This structure suggests asking for something to be set aside or excused. While often translated as "refuse," the underlying tone is one of seeking pardon or avoidance through humble request rather than blunt rejection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word captures a polite request to be excused or declined. It is not about being rude or dismissive, but asking for understanding when you cannot accept an offer. In Luke 14, guests use this phrase to decline a wedding invitation, citing prior commitments. This shows that sometimes we must respectfully say no to good things because we are already committed to something else.
In the New Testament, Paul uses this verb to describe how we should handle distractions. He urges believers to refuse foolish arguments and worldly myths. These are not just minor annoyances; they can hinder our spiritual growth. By asking to be excused from these debates, we protect our focus on what truly matters.
Hebrews warns us not to refuse God’s voice. The text contrasts those who fled for refuge with those who turned away from divine counsel. This reminds us that while polite refusal is acceptable in social settings, we must remain attentive to God’s warnings. We are invited to listen carefully and respond with humility, trusting that His guidance leads us toward life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- excused.2×
- do refuse;2×
- you may refuse1×
- to excuse themselves.1×
- they were requesting.1×
- they excused themselves1×
- having refused1×
- do reject1×
- do refuse1×
- I do refuse1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρῃτημένον.2×
- παραιτοῦ·2×
- παραιτοῦ2×
- παρῃτήσαντο1×
- παρῃτοῦντο.1×
- παραιτήσησθε1×
- παραιτοῦμαι1×
- παραιτησάμενοι1×
- παραιτεῖσθαι.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 14:18
They all as one began to make excuses. “The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’
This verse shows the word used in a social context where guests politely decline an invitation due to prior commitments.
-
I Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.
Paul uses this verb to instruct believers to actively refuse profane myths that distract from godly living.
-
Hebrews 12:25
See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven,
This occurrence serves as a serious warning against refusing God’s direct address, contrasting earthly warnings with heavenly ones.