πάρεσις (paresis)
paresis
passing over
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paresis denotes a deliberate act of passing over or letting go. Its root verb suggests leaving something behind without interference, which in this context refers to the handling of sin or debt. Rather than implying immediate punishment, it describes a state where transgression is overlooked or suspended for a time.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:25. Paul uses it to explain how God dealt with sins committed previously. The lexica distinguish it from aphesis, which means "remission" or release. While aphesis focuses on the forgiveness itself, paresis emphasizes the patience shown by God in not immediately executing judgment.
The theological weight lies in this divine forbearance. It highlights that God’s justice was satisfied through Christ even for past sins, allowing Him to remain just while clearing those who have faith. This concept underscores the timeline of redemption, showing how grace operates across history without compromising moral order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paresis describes a deliberate act of passing over or letting go. It is not about ignoring wrongdoing, but rather about God choosing to suspend judgment for a time. This concept highlights divine patience, showing that God’s justice was satisfied through Christ even for sins committed in the past. It reminds us that God’s forbearance is an active choice, not a passive oversight.
In Romans 3:25, Paul uses this term to explain how God dealt with prior sins. This demonstrates that God remains just while clearing those who have faith. It offers comfort, knowing that our past does not disqualify us from His grace. Instead, it shows the depth of His mercy and the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice.
This understanding encourages us to trust in God’s timing and justice. We can rest in the knowledge that He has handled our sins through Christ. This passage invites us to appreciate the balance between God’s righteousness and His love. It is a reminder that grace operates across history without compromising moral order.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- forbearance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πάρεσιν1×
Key Verses
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Romans 3:25
whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
This verse uses paresis to explain how God demonstrated His righteousness by passing over prior sins through Christ's atoning sacrifice.