παραπλήσιον (paraplēsion)
paraplēsion
almost
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word paraplēsion conveys the idea of being near to something in degree or likeness, functioning as an adverbial phrase meaning "almost" or "nearly." It suggests a close approximation without reaching the full limit.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, found in Philippians 2:27. Paul uses it to describe how Epaphroditus was dangerously ill, noting that he was near death but ultimately spared by God’s mercy. The usage highlights a state of proximity to an extreme outcome.
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix indicating nearness with a root related to likeness or resemblance. This structure reinforces the sense of being closely aligned with a condition, yet distinct from it. Translators typically render it as "almost" to capture this nuanced distance between reality and the threshold.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paraplēsion describes a state of being very close to something without quite reaching it. In Philippians 2:27, Paul uses this term to describe Epaphroditus’s serious illness. The text says he was "nearly" or "almost" dead. This small word carries the weight of a narrow escape and highlights how fragile human life can be.
Paul’s use of this word reminds us that God often steps in at the very edge of our limits. Epaphroditus did not die because God showed mercy. This story encourages us to trust that God is present even when we feel we are on the brink of something difficult or painful. His care extends beyond just one person, bringing relief to Paul as well.
When you face moments where things seem too close for comfort, remember that outcomes are not always fixed by our current circumstances. Faith allows us to rest in the belief that God’s mercy can turn a near miss into a testimony of hope. You are never beyond the reach of His care, even in the most precarious situations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nearly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραπλήσιον1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:27
For indeed he was sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul uses the word to describe Epaphroditus's critical illness that was close to death but ended in recovery.