Lexical Summary parakuptó: To stoop, to look intently, to peer Original Word: παρακύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance look into, stoop down. From para and kupto; to bend beside, i.e. Lean over (so as to peer within) -- look (into), stoop down. see GREEK para see GREEK kupto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and kuptó Definition to stoop sideways, to stoop to look NASB Translation look (1), looks intently (1), stooped and looked (1), stooping and looking (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3879: παρακύπτωπαρακύπτω: 1 aorist παρεκυψα; to stoop to (cf. παρά, IV. 1) "a thing in order to look at it; to look at with head bowed forward; to look into with the body bent; to stoop and look into": Luke 24:12 (T omits; L Tr brackets; WH reject the verse); John 20:5; εἰς τό μνημεῖον, John 20:11; metaphorically, to look carefully into, inspect curiously, εἰς τί, of one who would become acquainted with something, James 1:25; 1 Peter 1:12. (Aristophanes, Theocritus, Philo, Dio Cass., Plutarch, others; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Visual Posture and Spiritual Inquiry The verb rendered “stoop to look” evokes the image of bending low in order to gain insight into something otherwise hidden from a casual glance. In Scripture this action becomes a metaphor for an earnest, humble, and investigative attention to God’s works and words. The physical gesture underscores an inner disposition—reverence mixed with expectancy—that is essential for receiving revelation. Occurrences in the New Testament Narrative 1. Luke 24:12 pictures Peter hurrying to the empty tomb; “Stooping down, he saw only the linen cloths.” The action highlights a moment of dawning comprehension as the apostle moves from bewilderment toward understanding the resurrection. Historical Background In first-century Palestine, rock-hewn tombs required a person to crouch to see the interior. The Gospel writers’ choice of this verb precisely describes that cultural reality, lending vivid authenticity to the resurrection accounts. Outside the Gospels, Jewish literature occasionally uses similar imagery of bending or peering to indicate eager investigation, showing that the expression was already idiomatic for earnest attention. Theological Significance The act of stooping conveys humility; the act of looking conveys desire for understanding. Together they form a paradigm for discipleship: revelation is granted to those who approach with lowliness and persistent focus. James applies the same posture to Scripture itself, equating a diligent, bowed-hearted study of God’s law with the disciples’ first glimpse of resurrection light. Peter extends the concept beyond humanity, portraying angels as continual students of the gospel’s unfolding grace—affirming that the plan of salvation is inexhaustibly rich. Ministry Implications • Preaching: The resurrection narratives invite congregations to “stoop and look,” encouraging careful examination of the evidence for Christ’s victory over death. Practical Application for the Believer 1. Adopt a reverent posture—both physically and spiritually—when reading Scripture, acknowledging dependence on the Spirit for illumination. Related Concepts • Seeking (Matthew 7:7) The fivefold usage of Strong’s 3879 thus unites historical detail, doctrinal depth, and practical exhortation, urging every reader to bend low before the mysteries of God and rise with renewed understanding and joy. Forms and Transliterations παρακυπτομένας παρακύπτουσα παρακύπτων παρακυψαι παρακύψαι παρακυψας παρακύψας παραλαλούντος παρέκυψε παρεκυψεν παρέκυψεν parakupsai parakupsas parakypsai parakýpsai parakypsas parakýpsas parekupsen parekypsen parékypsenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 24:12 V-APA-NMSGRK: μνημεῖον καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει τὰ NAS: to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw KJV: and stooping down, he beheld INT: tomb and having stooped down he sees the John 20:5 V-APA-NMS John 20:11 V-AIA-3S James 1:25 V-APA-NMS 1 Peter 1:12 V-ANA Strong's Greek 3879 |
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