παροψίς (paropsis)
paropsis
dish
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paropsis refers to a side dish of dainties or choice food, designed primarily to gratify the appetite rather than simply satisfy hunger. It denotes the delicate accompaniments served alongside more substantial meals, highlighting a distinction between basic sustenance and culinary pleasure.
In its rare biblical appearance in Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus uses the term metaphorically to describe the external vessels of hospitality. He condemns those who clean the outside of the cup or dish while remaining inwardly corrupt, illustrating how religious leaders prioritized the appearance of righteousness over genuine moral purity.
The word combines a prefix meaning "beside" with a root for food, literally signifying something served alongside the main course. This etymology underscores its role as an enhancement to the meal, a detail Jesus exploits to critique the superficiality of those who focus on outward rituals while neglecting inner integrity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paropsis describes a side dish or delicacy served alongside the main meal. In Matthew 23, Jesus uses this image to critique religious leaders who polish the outside of their cups and dishes while remaining corrupt inside. This vivid metaphor highlights the danger of focusing entirely on outward appearance while neglecting inner character.
For your faith life, this serves as a gentle reminder that God cares deeply about what happens within your heart. It is easy to maintain a respectable exterior in public, but true integrity involves honesty, kindness, and purity in private moments. When you invite Jesus into your inner thoughts, He brings light to areas we often try to hide.
Instead of striving for perfect external performance, consider resting in the grace that transforms you from the inside out. This shift allows your actions to naturally reflect a heart aligned with God’s love. May you find peace in knowing that He sees and values your genuine self more than any polished facade.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dish,1×
- dish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παροψίδος,1×
- παροψίδος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:25
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness.
This verse introduces the metaphor by contrasting the cleaned exterior of the cup with the internal corruption of extortion and unrighteousness.
-
Matthew 23:26
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.
Here Jesus commands the Pharisees to prioritize inner cleansing first, so that the outside may become truly clean as a result.