παρανομέω (paranomeō)
paranomeō
to break the law
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paranomeō describes the act of breaking or transgressing the law. Its meaning is built from two parts: para, indicating a deviation or going beyond, and nomos, meaning law. Together they paint a picture of someone who steps outside the boundaries set by legal authority.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:3. The Apostle Paul uses it to describe his own action when he struck the high priest Ananias. By calling his behavior paranomeō, Paul acknowledges that he had violated the legal command not to insult a ruler, even though he claimed ignorance of the man’s identity at the time.
The term carries a specific weight because it focuses on the objective breach of statute rather than just internal sin. While other words might describe moral failure or spiritual rebellion, paranomeō points directly to an act that contravenes established rules. It captures the moment where personal conduct clashes with public order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word paranomeō describes a clear breach of established rules. It combines the idea of going beyond with the concept of law itself. When someone acts this way, they step outside the boundaries set by legal authority. This is not just a vague sense of wrongdoing but a specific violation of statute.
In Acts 23:3, Paul uses this term to reflect on his own conduct. He struck the high priest Ananias and immediately acknowledged that he had acted contrary to the law. This moment shows us that even those we admire make mistakes when they lose their temper or act in haste. It reminds us that our actions have real consequences and that we are accountable for how we treat others, especially those in authority.
For your daily life, this word invites humility. It encourages you to check your behavior against the standards of love and justice. When you feel anger rising, pause and consider if your response aligns with God’s ways. This awareness helps you grow in self-control and respect for order, fostering a spirit of peace rather than conflict.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- violating law1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρανομῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 23:3
Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?”
Paul explicitly identifies his action as acting contrary to the law, highlighting personal accountability even when intent was not malicious.