Lexical Summary parodos: Passage, way through, entrance Original Word: πάροδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance passage, way. From para and hodos; a by-road, i.e. (actively) a route -- way. see GREEK para see GREEK hodos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and hodos Definition a passing or passage NASB Translation passing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3938: πάροδοςπάροδος, παροδου, ἡ (παρά, near by; ὁδός), a passing by or passage : ἐν παρόδῳ, in passing (A. V. by the way), 1 Corinthians 16:7. (Thucydides 1, 126; 5:4; Polybius 5, 68, 8; Cicero, ad Att. 5, 20, 2.; Lucian, dial. deor. 24, 2.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3938 appears once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 16:7. The term Paul chooses communicates a brief passage or transit, contrasting a fleeting encounter with an extended, purposeful stay. Although the word itself is rare, the concept amplifies key biblical themes of intentional fellowship, pastoral presence, and submission to divine guidance. Context in 1 Corinthians 16:7 Paul writes, “For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits” (Berean Standard Bible). The church at Corinth had already experienced Paul’s corrective instruction. Here he stresses that a cursorily visit would not suffice; he longs for a season of shared life, mutual edification, and deeper teaching. The phrase “if the Lord permits” shows that even the most carefully laid ministry plans remain subject to God’s sovereign direction (compare Proverbs 16:9; James 4:15). The Apostle Paul’s Ministry Philosophy 1. Relational focus: Paul rarely ministered from a distance when personal presence was possible. His letters supplement, not replace, face-to-face discipleship (Acts 20:31–38). Connections with Broader Biblical Themes • Incarnational ministry: Just as the Lord Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), Paul seeks embodied presence rather than transitory contact. Historical Significance In the ancient world, travel was arduous, and visit length carried social weight. A quick pass-through might signal mere courtesy; a prolonged residence indicated commitment and affection. Paul’s stated preference would reassure the Corinthians of their apostle’s lasting concern despite previous rebukes. Pastoral Implications 1. Depth over drive-through ministry: Churches thrive when leaders invest time for teaching, counsel, and modeled obedience. Application for Contemporary Ministry • Short-term visits can open doors, but sustained presence matures disciples. Theological Reflection The lone use of this term in Scripture is a reminder that every word the Spirit inspired carries weight. Through it God highlights the tension between human planning and divine sovereignty, between hurried contact and abiding love. Genuine Christian ministry values people over itineraries, trusting the Lord to govern both travel and time. Concluding Thoughts Strong’s Greek 3938, though rare, illuminates Paul’s heart for intentional, Spirit-directed fellowship. It calls believers today to prefer rich, relational ministry over hurried encounters and to submit every plan to the Lord who ordains each step. Forms and Transliterations πάροδον παροδω παρόδω παρόδῳ παροικεσίας parodo parodō paródoi paródōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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