Lexical Summary paraplésiós: Similarly, likewise Original Word: παραπλησίως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance likewise. Adverb from the same as paraplesion; in a manner near by, i.e. (figuratively) similarly -- likewise. see GREEK paraplesion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from paraplésios Definition in like manner NASB Translation likewise (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3898: παραπλησίωςπαραπλησίως, adverb (παραπλήσιος, see παραπλήσιον), similarly, in like manner, in the same way: Hebrews 2:14 (where it is equivalent to κατά πάντα Hebrews 2:17, and hence, is used of a similarity which amounts to equality, as in the phrase ἀγωνίζεσθαι παραπλ. to fight with equal advantage, aequo Marte, Herodotus 1, 77; so too the adjective, σύ δέ ἄνθρωπος ὤν παραπλήσιος τοῖς ἄλλοις, πλήν γέ δή ὅτι πολυπράγμων καί ἀτάσθαλος κτλ., the words in which an oriental sage endeavors to tame the pride of Alexander the Great, Arrian, exp. Alex. 7, 1, 9 (6)). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Thematic Scope Paraplēsios depicts an action performed “in a similar manner” or “likewise.” Though occurring only once in the Greek New Testament, the term functions as a powerful theological hinge, signaling perfect correspondence between two parties for the purpose God intends. Immediate Context: Hebrews 2:14 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise partook of the same, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—” (Hebrews 2:14). The adverb joins the shared humanity of believers (“the children”) with the incarnate participation of the Son. By using παραπλησίως, the writer establishes: 1. Real solidarity—Christ’s participation is not apparent but actual. Christological Significance Hebrews 2:14 grounds the doctrine of the incarnation in similarity, not mere analogy. The “likewise” affirms: • Full participation in human nature (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7). Comparative Language elsewhere in Scripture While παραπλησίως is unique, Scripture frequently uses comparative terms to stress covenantal solidarity: • “In the same way” (ὁμοίως) links the Passover lamb to Christ (John 19:36 with Exodus 12:46). Such parallels reinforce that salvation history moves through divinely appointed likenesses culminating in Christ. Historical Theology The early Church Fathers leaned on Hebrews 2:14 to refute Docetism. Athanasius, in On the Incarnation, appeals to Christ’s “like” participation in flesh to prove He truly suffered and died. Chalcedon later formalized the mystery—one Person, two natures—preserving the “likewise” of Hebrews without confusion or division. Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Assurance in Temptation: Because the Savior “likewise” shared our frame, He is a sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). Related Greek Expressions of Similarity Though distinct, παραπλησίως belongs to a family of comparative adverbs that enrich biblical exposition: ὁμοίως (“likewise,” 17 NT uses) and ταὐτό (“the same”). Awareness of these nuances helps preachers draw precise theological links without collapsing crucial distinctions. Summary Strong’s 3898 serves as a strategic verbal link in Hebrews 2:14, declaring that the eternal Son entered human existence in true and sufficient likeness. The word safeguards both the authenticity of the incarnation and the effectiveness of the atonement, while modeling a pattern of redemptive identification for Christian life and ministry. Forms and Transliterations παραπλησιως παραπλησίως paraplesios paraplesíos paraplēsiōs paraplēsíōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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