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παραπικρασμός (parapikrasmos)

parapikrasmos

rebellion

G3894 · Greek · New Testament · 2 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun parapikrasmos describes an act of provocation or irritation that leads to rebellion. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the book of Hebrews (3:8 and 3:15). In these passages, the writer quotes Psalm 95, using the term to characterize the stubborn defiance of Israel at Meribah, where the people tested God’s patience through their distrust.

Its meaning derives from a root related to bitterness or sharpness. The prefix suggests an addition or intensification, pointing to a provoked state that turns into open rebellion. This word captures the specific moment when irritation hardens into a rebellious stance against divine authority, marking a failure of trust rather than mere disobedience.

By linking this Greek term to the Hebrew concept of Meribah, the text highlights a pattern of testing God’s provision. The usage serves as a warning against allowing temporary frustration to develop into a hardened heart that rejects God’s guidance, illustrating how small provocations can escalate into significant spiritual rebellion.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When life feels heavy or God’s timing seems slow, it is easy to let irritation grow into something deeper. The word parapikrasmos captures this exact shift. It describes how a small moment of frustration can harden into open rebellion against God. This is not just about breaking a rule; it is about losing trust in His care.

The writer of Hebrews warns us not to let temporary struggles turn our hearts away from Him. Instead of testing God’s patience, we are invited to listen to His voice today. This gentle reminder encourages us to pause when we feel provoked, choosing faith over fear and reliance on God over self-sufficiency.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • rebellion.1×
  • rebellion1×

Forms in the text

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

  • παραπικρασμῷ.1×
  • παραπικρασμῷ1×

Key Verses

  • Hebrews 3:8
    don’t harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of the trial in the wilderness,

    This verse uses the word to label the specific historical moment at Meribah where Israel’s testing of God became a hardened heart.

  • Hebrews 3:15
    while it is said, “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.”

    Here the term serves as a direct warning against allowing current trials to trigger the same defiant pattern seen in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does parapikrasmos mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek noun meaning rebellion that arises from provocation or irritation. The writer of Hebrews uses it to describe how Israel’s temporary frustration at Meribah turned into a hardened rejection of God’s guidance.

How is this different from general disobedience?

While disobedience can be a single act, parapikrasmos implies a process where irritation builds until it becomes a defiant stance. It highlights the failure of trust that precedes open rebellion.

Where does this word appear in the New Testament?

It appears only twice, both in Hebrews chapters 3 verses 8 and 15. In both cases, the author quotes Psalm 95 to warn believers against repeating Israel’s mistake.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 1 books)

Hebrews 2 verses
Hebrews 3:8

don’t harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of the trial in the wilderness,

Hebrews 3:15

while it is said, “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.”