Lexical Summary parenochleó: To trouble, to annoy, to disturb Original Word: παρενοχλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance trouble. From para and enochleo; to harass further, i.e. Annoy -- trouble. see GREEK para see GREEK enochleo HELPS Word-studies 3926 pareno NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and enochleó Definition to annoy NASB Translation trouble (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3926: παρενοχλέωπαρενοχλέω, παρενόχλω; (see ἐνοχλέω); to cause trouble in a matter (παρά equivalent to παρά τίνι πράγματι); to trouble, annoy: τίνι, Acts 15:19. (The Sept.; Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch, Epictetus, Lucian, others.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Setting The verb appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 15:19, where James concludes the Jerusalem Council: “Therefore I judge that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God” (Berean Standard Bible). His verdict brings the intense debate over circumcision and the Mosaic law to a grace–centered resolution, opening the door for unhindered Gentile inclusion in the Church. Historical Background The early Church wrestled with the influx of Gentile believers following Paul’s first missionary journey. Some Judean believers insisted that circumcision and full Torah observance were essential for salvation (Acts 15:1,5). By the time of the Council (circa A.D. 49), the apostles and elders had to decide whether faith alone—verified by the Spirit’s work among Gentiles (Acts 15:8–11)—was sufficient. James’ use of the verb underscores a pastoral concern: to refuse any imposition that would obstruct genuine conversion. Theological Themes 1. Freedom in Christ: The decision reflects the truth later articulated by Paul, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Related Biblical Illustrations • Jesus warned against leaders who “tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders” (Matthew 23:4). Implications for Church Governance Acts 15 sets a paradigm for synodical decision-making: Ministry Application 1. Evangelism: Keep the gospel clear—faith in the risen Christ—avoiding cultural add-ons that hinder seekers. Echoes in Later New Testament Writings The spirit of Acts 15:19 resurfaces when Paul insists that Titus, a Gentile, need not be circumcised (Galatians 2:3–5) and when he warns against false teachers who “upset whole households” (Titus 1:10–11). Each instance resists any intrusion that would obscure the sufficiency of Christ. Practical Lessons for Today • Evaluate traditions: Are they aids or obstacles to faith? Summary The lone New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 3926 highlights a watershed moment in Church history. By refusing to “trouble” Gentile converts, the Jerusalem Council affirmed salvation by grace, preserved unity, and set a timeless model for gospel-centered ministry. Forms and Transliterations παρενοχλειν παρενοχλείν παρενοχλεῖν παρενοχλήσει παρενοχλών πάρεξ παρεξεμού παρεξεστηκώς παρηνώχλησά παρηνώχλησάς παρηνώχλησεν parenochlein parenochleînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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