παροιμία (paroimia)
paroimia
proverb
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paroimia refers to a saying that deviates from ordinary speech to convey truth through figures of speech. In the New Testament, it describes the kind of figurative discourse Jesus used when speaking to crowds, where meaning is wrapped in comparison rather than stated directly. This usage aligns with its Old Testament background, where the Hebrew word mashal covers proverbs, riddles, and symbolic teachings.
While often translated simply as "proverb," the term carries a sense of obscurity or indirectness. It suggests a cryptic saying that requires interpretation to uncover its didactic truth. In John’s Gospel, Jesus explicitly notes that He has been speaking in such figurative language (John 16:25), and later acknowledges that He is now speaking plainly (John 16:29). This shift highlights paroimia as a temporary mode of communication designed to provoke thought before revealing clarity.
The word appears only four times in the New Testament, primarily in John and II Peter. In II Peter 2:22, it describes a proverbial saying about a dog returning to its vomit, illustrating how such sayings capture moral lessons through vivid imagery. The term bridges the gap between simple maxims and extended allegories, serving as a vehicle for spiritual instruction that challenges listeners to look beyond the surface.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paroimia describes a way of speaking that wraps truth in imagery, much like a proverb or riddle. Jesus used this style to engage His listeners, inviting them to look past simple words and seek deeper meaning. It was not meant to confuse, but to stir the heart and mind toward spiritual realities that plain statements might miss.
In John 16:25, Jesus acknowledges He has spoken in these figures of speech, yet promises a time when He will reveal the Father plainly. This shift shows God’s patience; He meets us where we are, using stories and comparisons to draw us closer. Even when truth feels hidden, it is always offered with love.
When we encounter such passages, we are invited to linger, ask questions, and trust that clarity will come in time. The Bible often uses indirect language not to obscure, but to invite a relationship with the One who speaks. May you find peace in knowing that God’s word is both accessible and deep enough for every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- allegory2×
- allegories2×
- proverb:1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παροιμίαν2×
- παροιμίαις2×
- παροιμίας·1×
Key Verses
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John 10:6
Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them.
This verse shows Jesus using a figurative saying that His listeners failed to grasp, highlighting how paroimia requires spiritual attention to understand.
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John 16:25
“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
Here Jesus explicitly identifies His previous teaching as speaking in figures of speech, marking a transition toward clearer revelation of the Father.
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John 16:29
His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you are speaking plainly, and using no figures of speech.
The disciples recognize that Jesus is now speaking plainly without figures, confirming the shift from indirect to direct communication about divine truth.
-
II Peter 2:22
But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.”
Peter uses a proverbial saying about a dog and a sow to vividly illustrate the danger of returning to sin after knowing the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paroimia mean in the Bible?
How is paroimia different from a regular proverb?
Where does the word paroimia appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
John 3 verses
Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them.
John 16:25“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in…
John 16:29His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you are speaking plainly, and using no figures of speech.