Lexical Summary parakeimai: To lie beside, to be present, to be near Original Word: παράκειμαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be present. From para and keimai; to lie near, i.e. Be at hand (figuratively, be prompt or easy) -- be present. see GREEK para see GREEK keimai HELPS Word-studies 3873 parákeimai (3844 /pará, "close-beside" and 2749 /keímai, "lie down") – properly, lie down side-by-side, like with two moral realities which totally oppose each other (but still exist closely together). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and keimai Definition to lie beside, be present NASB Translation present (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3873: παράκειμαιπαράκειμαι; (παρά and κεῖμαι); to lie beside (παρά, IV. 1), to be near (from Homer down); to be present, at hand: Romans 7:18 (where see Meyer), 21. Topical Lexicon Definition and ScopeStrong’s Greek 3873 (παράκειμαι) expresses the idea of something “lying beside” or “being right at hand.” In Paul’s usage the verb conveys moral nearness—good and evil positioned alongside the believer’s will. The term therefore serves as a vivid metaphor of the believer’s inner landscape rather than a mere spatial description. Occurrences in the New Testament Paul employs the verb twice, both in Romans 7: • Romans 7:18 – “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” The second occurrence makes the imagery unmistakable: evil is “right there with me” (parakeitai), constantly accompanying the believer’s intention to do good. Pauline Theology and the Inner Conflict Romans 7 presents the tension between regenerate desire (“I delight in the law of God,” Romans 7:22) and the continuing presence of sin in the flesh. By choosing παράκειμαι, Paul emphasizes coexistence rather than dominance. Good desire exists, yet evil “lies beside” it, pressing against every righteous impulse. The verb helps clarify that the conflict is not an equal dualism; rather, sin is an intruder sitting alongside the renewed will, awaiting opportunity (compare Genesis 4:7). Historical Context and Jewish Background Second Temple Judaism already recognized an internal contest between virtue and vice (e.g., the “evil inclination” yetzer hara). Paul, however, advances the discussion by anchoring the struggle in union with Christ and the indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:2). Thus, παράκειμαι bridges Jewish ethical concern with apostolic teaching: sin’s proximity is real, yet liberation is guaranteed through the gospel. Doctrinal Implications 1. Ongoing Sanctification: παράκειμαι underscores that sanctification is progressive. Regeneration implants new desires, but the flesh still harbors sin “lying beside.” Practical and Pastoral Applications • Self-diagnosis: Believers need not despair when they perceive evil “right there.” Awareness aligns with Paul’s apostolic experience. Liturgical and Devotional Use Romans 7:21 is frequently woven into prayers of confession, reminding worshipers of their need for grace. Hymnody that juxtaposes longing for holiness with the nearness of sin (e.g., “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it”) conceptually mirrors παράκειμαι’s force. Theological Reflections Parάκειμαι illustrates the “already/not yet” tension central to New Testament theology: righteousness has already been imputed, yet full freedom from sin awaits glorification. The word pictures the overlap of ages—old creation weakness lies beside new-creation life. Related Concepts and Terms • σάρξ (flesh) – the arena where sin finds lodging. Summary Strong’s Greek 3873 enriches Romans 7 by portraying sin and righteousness as neighboring realities within the believer. The term calls Christians to sober vigilance, confident dependence on the Spirit, and eager anticipation of the day when evil will no longer be “right there with” us but will be forever removed. Forms and Transliterations παρακειται παράκειται παράκειταί παρακελεύομαι parakeitai parákeitai parákeitaíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 7:18 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: γὰρ θέλειν παράκειταί μοι τὸ NAS: for the willing is present in me, but the doing KJV: for to will is present with me; but INT: indeed to will is present with me Romans 7:21 V-PIM/P-3S |
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