παρίστημι (paristēmi)
paristēmi
to stand by
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paristēmi literally means to stand beside someone or something, but in Scripture it carries a dynamic sense of bringing a person or thing into active presence. As a transitive action, it describes placing an individual before another for a specific purpose, such as when the disciples present Tabitha’s garments to widows in Acts 9:39, or when Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices in Romans 12:1.
In its intransitive form, the word captures the posture of those who are physically nearby and ready to act. This is vividly seen in the Gospels, where crowds stand by during Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion (Mark 14:47; 15:39), and in Acts, where companions remain at Paul’s side for support (Acts 23:2). The term also extends to spiritual readiness, as when Christians are called to present themselves approved before God (2 Timothy 2:15).
Its etymological roots combine a prefix meaning "beside" with a verb meaning "to stand," emphasizing proximity and availability. Translators often render it as "present," "stand by," or "assist," depending on whether the focus is on introducing someone to authority or offering support in a moment of need.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paristēmi paints a picture of active presence. It is not merely standing near someone in silence, but being available to serve or to be presented for a purpose. When Jesus spoke of angels ready to assist, He highlighted the reality that we are never truly alone in our struggles. This proximity implies a readiness to help, whether through divine intervention or the support of others around us.
In our daily lives, this concept invites us to consider how we stand before God and near our neighbors. It calls for a posture of availability—offering our bodies as living tools for good, just as Paul described in Romans. Instead of passive observation, we are encouraged to engage with the needs around us, bringing comfort to the grieving or support to the weary, reflecting the same attentive care shown in Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to present5×
- having stood by4×
- do yield3×
- stood by2×
- standing by2×
- already standing by2×
- you yielded1×
- you yield1×
- you may assist1×
- will commend1×
- we will stand before1×
- we may present1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραστῆσαι6×
- παρέστησαν3×
- παρέστη3×
- παρεστῶσιν3×
- παρεστηκὼς3×
- παραστήσει3×
- παρέστησεν2×
- παρέστηκεν2×
- παριστάνετε2×
- παρεστῶτες2×
- παρεστηκότων2×
- παραστήσατε2×
Key Verses
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Mark 15:39
When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
The centurion’s physical proximity at the cross allows him to witness Jesus’ death and declare His divine sonship, linking closeness with spiritual insight.
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Acts 9:41
He gave her his hand and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
Peter presents Tabitha alive to the saints, demonstrating how the word describes formally bringing a person into a community for restoration and witness.
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Luke 1:19
The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Gabriel identifies himself as one who stands in God’s presence, establishing the word’s use for spiritual readiness and proximity to divine authority.
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Acts 27:23
For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,
Paul recalls an angel standing by him during a storm, illustrating the word’s application to personal support and assurance in times of danger.