Lexical Summary pareispheró: To bring in, introduce, contribute Original Word: παρεισφέρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance introduce simultaneouslyFrom para and eisphero; to bear in alongside, i.e. Introduce simultaneously -- give. see GREEK para see GREEK eisphero HELPS Word-studies 3923 pareisphérō (from 3844 /pará, "from close-beside" and eispherō, "bring into") – properly, "bring deeply into," i.e.from very close beside). 3923 /pareisphérō ("personally carry-through") is only used in 2 Pet 1:5 referring to carrying through with real personal involvement (energy). This strongly stresses the need of the believer's deep, personal involvement in the faith-life. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and eispheró Definition to bring in, to supply besides NASB Translation applying (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3923: παρεισφέρωπαρεισφέρω: 1 aorist παρεισήνεγκα; a. to bring in besides (Demosthenes, others). b. to contribute besides to something: σπουδήν, 2 Peter 1:5 (R. V. adding on your part). Strong’s Greek 3923 pictures an intentional bringing-in, an additional supply laid alongside something already present. The term occurs once in the New Testament, yet its solitary placement inside a densely theological paragraph makes the word a pivot point for Peter’s entire exhortation on growth in grace (2 Peter 1:3-11). Placement in the Petrine Argument 2 Peter 1:5: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.” The participle παρεισενέγκαντες (“make every effort… add”) functions as the hinge between God’s completed provision (verses 3-4) and the believer’s active response (verses 5-7). By choosing this compound verb, Peter declares that Christian growth is neither self-generated nor passive; it is the Spirit-enabled supplementing of what the Lord has already bestowed. Theological Significance 1. Cooperation without Co-Merit Peter has just declared that believers “have become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). The subsequent call to “add” does not suggest meritorious contribution to salvation but rather the diligent cultivation of grace-empowered virtues. The word thus safeguards both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. 2. Layered Virtue Building The verb conveys a sense of layering or furnishing a project with additional materials. The seven qualities that follow—virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, love—are not isolated steps but cumulative adornments of the faith foundation. 3. Assurance through Fruitfulness Peter later ties the practice of these qualities to assurance of salvation: “For if you practice these things, you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). The single use of 3923 therefore undergirds a doctrine of evidential security: growth validates calling and election. Historical and Pastoral Use • Early Church Fathers (e.g., Clement of Alexandria) cited 2 Peter 1:5 to encourage catechumens in moral formation, viewing the verb as a summons to furnish the “house” of faith with ethical furnishings. Ministry Application 1. Discipleship Pathways Church leaders can structure growth tracks around the seven virtues, inviting members to “bring in beside” their faith concrete habits (Scripture intake, accountability, service) that correspond to each trait. 2. Counseling and Spiritual Renewal When counseling apathetic believers, pointing to 2 Peter 1:5 re-orients them from a passive waiting for change to an active, grace-dependent pursuit of it. 3. Corporate Worship Planning Liturgies may intentionally incorporate moments for congregants to offer commitments of fresh diligence, echoing Peter’s verb by symbolically “bringing in” their resolved obedience during worship. Related Biblical Motifs • Old Testament imagery of furnishing the Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40) parallels the idea of adding sacred articles to an already consecrated space. Summative Reflection Although παρεισφέρω appears only once, it distills a vital New Testament tension: grace precedes and enables effort, yet effort is indispensable evidence of grace. Believers, equipped by “everything we need for life and godliness,” are summoned to bring in, alongside that divine provision, a continual supply of diligence, so that their faith may be richly furnished, fruitful, and assured unto the entrance “into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11). |
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