παρεισφέρω (pareispherō)

pareispherō

to supply

G3923 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb pareispherō describes the act of bringing something in alongside or secretly into a situation where it does not belong. Its components suggest motion "beside" or "into," and ancient usage often implies introducing an element covertly, akin to smuggling. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 2 Peter 1:5.

Peter uses it to instruct believers to add virtue to their faith. The phrasing suggests that moral qualities are not merely added as separate items, but are woven into the existing fabric of one’s trust in God. This usage transforms a term often associated with illicit entry into a positive command for spiritual growth, urging Christians to integrate character deeply into their belief.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word pareispherō carries a sense of bringing something in alongside what is already there. In 2 Peter 1:5, Peter urges believers to supply moral excellence to their faith. This suggests that virtue is not an optional extra, but a necessary addition that strengthens the foundation of trust in God.

Spiritual growth involves intentional effort. We are called to add diligence, knowledge, and self-control to our belief. These qualities do not replace faith; they support it. By integrating character with conviction, we build a life that reflects the depth of our commitment.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

having brought in1×

Forms in the text

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

παρεισενέγκαντες1×

Key Verses

II Peter 1:5
Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;

This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Peter commands believers to actively supply moral excellence as an addition to their faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pareispherō mean in the Bible?

It means to supply or bring in alongside. In 2 Peter 1:5, it describes adding moral excellence to faith as a necessary step for spiritual maturity.

How is this word different from simply 'adding' something?

The Greek prefix implies bringing something in secretly or alongside an existing structure. It suggests integrating virtue deeply into one's character rather than just listing it as a separate trait.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once, in 2 Peter 1:5, where Peter encourages Christians to build upon their faith with virtue, knowledge, and self-control.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

II Peter 1 verse

II Peter 1:5

Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral…