παρίημι (pariēmi)
pariēmi
to neglect
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb parieō means to let something pass by without action, often carrying the sense of neglect or disregard. It describes a passive failure to intervene or correct, rather than an active rejection. In Luke 11:42, Jesus uses it to criticize those who meticulously tithe herbs while ignoring justice and the love of God, showing that small religious duties do not excuse major moral failures.
Its second common usage involves physical or spiritual relaxation. The passive form describes hands that are "loosened" or weakened, conveying a state of exhaustion or lack of strength. Hebrews 12:12 employs this image to encourage believers to lift up their drooping hands and weak knees, framing the word as a call to restore vitality rather than merely describing fatigue.
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix meaning "beside" with a verb for "sending." This root structure suggests letting something go its own way without interference. Translators typically render it as "neglect," "disregard," or "relax," depending on whether the context highlights moral oversight or physical weakness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parieō describes a gentle letting go, whether of duty or of strength. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus warns against neglecting justice while focusing on minor rules. This reminds us that our faith must balance careful practice with genuine love for others and God.
Hebrews uses the same root to describe tired hands and weak knees. Here, it is not a failure but a human condition. The call is not to scold the weary, but to lift them up. Your exhaustion is seen, and restoration is offered through community and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- drooped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρειμένας1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 12:12
Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,
This verse uses the word to describe physical weakness, turning a term for neglect into an image of human frailty that invites encouragement rather than criticism.