παραπίπτω (parapiptō)
parapiptō
to defect
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb parapiptō describes a specific kind of falling away, distinct from a simple stumble or accident. Its literal sense involves slipping aside or deviating from a path, suggesting a voluntary departure from a previous course. In the New Testament, this word carries significant theological weight, appearing only once in Hebrews 6:6 to describe those who have fallen away from the true faith.
The term combines a prefix indicating "beside" or "aside" with a root meaning "to fall." This imagery paints a picture of someone who has turned aside from the straight path of belief into error. The sources note that in the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew words for treachery or failing to uphold a covenant, reinforcing its sense of defection rather than mere weakness.
Translators typically render this word as "fall away" or "defect," capturing the gravity of abandoning a committed stance. It implies a decisive turn toward unbelief, marking a rupture in relationship with God. The singular usage in Hebrews highlights the seriousness of such a departure, framing it not as a temporary lapse but as a fundamental shift in allegiance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parapiptō paints a picture of slipping off course, not by accident, but by turning aside from a committed path. In Hebrews 6:6, it describes a serious deflection from the faith, where one actively turns away from Christ. This is not a momentary stumble or a struggle with doubt, but a decisive shift in allegiance that rejects the very foundation of belief.
For those who feel distant from God, this passage can feel heavy. It reminds us that faith is a journey we walk with intention. The warning is not meant to crush hope, but to highlight the preciousness of our connection to Jesus. It invites us to examine where we stand and to hold fast to what we have heard.
While the term describes a grave departure, its presence in Scripture also underscores the seriousness of grace. We are called to remain rooted in Christ, not out of fear, but because He is worthy of our trust. This word challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment and the reality of the relationship we have with God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having fallen away —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραπεσόντας1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 6:6
and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame.
This verse uses parapiptō to describe a decisive turning away from Christ that makes repentance impossible, highlighting the gravity of abandoning one's faith.