παραφρονέω (paraphroneō)
paraphroneō
be insane
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paraphroneō describes a state of being beside oneself or out of one’s senses. Derived from the prefix para (meaning "beside" or "beyond") and phren (meaning "mind"), it literally suggests that one’s mental faculties have shifted outside their normal bounds. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 11:23.
Paul uses it self-referentially when listing his hardships for the sake of the gospel. He writes that he is "mad" (paraphroneō) if indeed he is being so. This usage does not imply clinical insanity but rather a radical, perhaps seemingly foolish, commitment to Christ that defies conventional logic. The word captures the tension between worldly wisdom and the apparent folly of the cross.
Translators often render this as "out of my mind" or "mad," reflecting the intensity of Paul’s devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder that serving God can sometimes look like madness to those who do not share the same perspective. The term highlights the cost of discipleship, where passion for Christ may appear irrational to observers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word paraphroneō literally means to be beside one’s mind. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 11:23 when describing his extreme hardships for the gospel. He suggests that to the world, his relentless suffering and devotion might look like madness. This is not a claim of mental illness, but a vivid picture of total commitment.
For you, this word offers comfort in seasons where your faith feels misunderstood. When your choices seem irrational to others, remember that Paul embraced this label for Christ. Your steadfast love may appear foolish to those who do not share your hope, yet it is rooted in the wisdom of God.
This perspective invites us to serve with such intensity that we might seem out of step with the world. It is a reminder that true devotion often costs us our reputation or comfort. May you find peace in knowing that your faithful labor, however unseen, is deeply valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- As being beside myself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραφρονῶν1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:23
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself.) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, and in deaths often.
Paul uses this rare term to defend his apostolic authority, framing his extreme sufferings as a radical devotion that might appear insane to observers.