παρέχω (parechō)
parechō
to furnish occasion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb parechō describes the act of furnishing, supplying, or affording something to another person. It carries a sense of providing an occasion or opportunity, whether that provision is favorable or unfavorable. In the New Testament, it appears sixteen times, with notable usage in the Gospel of Luke, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Pastoral Epistles.
Its meaning often hinges on what is being supplied. For instance, Jesus uses it to describe how a meal can afford an opportunity for good works (Matthew 26:10), while Paul warns against supplying false teaching that causes straying (1 Timothy 1:4). The word implies a direct offering or presentation of resources, ideas, or circumstances from one’s own part.
Etymologically, parechō combines para ("beside") and echō ("to have"). This structure suggests making something available alongside oneself. Translators typically render it as "afford," "give occasion," or "supply," capturing the idea that the subject is the source from which another receives an opportunity or resource.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word parechō reminds us that every situation offers a chance to act. It means to furnish an occasion or supply something for another person to receive. This could be a resource, an opportunity, or even a difficulty. In Matthew 26:10, Jesus notes that the woman’s act of pouring perfume gave him a good work to do. He saw her generosity as a gift that allowed him to honor her faith.
When we face challenges, we can ask what occasion they provide. Perhaps a hardship allows us to show patience or kindness. Or maybe a conflict gives us a chance to speak truth with grace. We are not passive observers but active participants in God’s story. Every moment holds the potential for good if we look for it.
This word encourages us to be mindful of how we treat others. Our actions can furnish occasion for good or bad. Let us choose to supply love, patience, and truth. In doing so, we reflect God’s character and bring hope to those around us. May you find opportunities to bless others today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was bringing2×
- were showing1×
- they became1×
- should give;1×
- occasioning1×
- is providing1×
- having provided1×
- do you cause?1×
- do you cause1×
- do offer1×
- do give1×
- do cause.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πάρεχε.1×
- πάρεχε1×
- παρέχουσιν1×
- παρέχοντι1×
- παρέχετε;1×
- παρέχετε1×
- παρέχεσθε1×
- παρέχειν1×
- παρέσχον1×
- παρέξῃ1×
- παρεῖχον1×
- παρεῖχεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:10
However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
Jesus uses the word to show that the woman's generous act furnished him with a specific opportunity to honor her faith and prepare for his burial.
-
Acts 17:31
because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
Paul explains that God raised Jesus from the dead to give all people assurance, furnishing them with a clear occasion to trust in the coming judgment.
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I Timothy 6:17
Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
The verse describes God as one who richly provides us with everything to enjoy, furnishing believers with the resources needed for a grateful and stable life.