1. transitive, ((cf. παρά, IV.));

a. to lead past, lead by.

b. to lead aside, mislead; to lead away.

c. to lead to; to lead forth, bring forward.

2. intransitive (see ἄγω, 4);

a. to pass by, go past: Matthew 20:30; Mark 2:14; Mark 15:21; (Luke 18:39 L marginal reading); followed by παρά with an accusative of place, Mark 1:16 L T Tr WH (by κατά with the accusative of place, 3Macc. 6:16; θεωροῦντες παραγουσαν τήν δύναμιν, Polybius 5, 18, 4).

b. to depart, go away: John 8:59 Rec.; ; ἐκεῖθεν, Matthew 9:9, 27. (Others adhere to the meaning pass by in all these passages.) Metaphorically, to pass away, disappear: 1 Corinthians 7:31 (Psalm 143:5 ()); in the passive in the same sense, 1 John 2:8, 17.

The verb translated “pass by / pass away” is used in Scripture both for physical movement and for the transience of the present order. In either sense it highlights decisive moments: opportunities to respond to the presence of Christ and reminders that earthly realities are temporary.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Eleven uses appear: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 9:27; Matthew 20:30; Mark 1:16; Mark 2:14; Mark 15:21; John 8:59; John 9:1; 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:8; 1 John 2:17.

• Seven are narrative, describing someone “passing by.”
• Four are figurative, stressing that “the world,” “darkness,” or “the present form” is “passing away.”

Literal Passing By: Divine Encounters Along the Way

1. Calling of disciples (Matthew 9:9; Mark 1:16; Mark 2:14). The Lord’s casual-seeming movement masks a divine appointment. A routine workday turns into a lifelong calling when Jesus “passes by.”
2. Compassionate healings (Matthew 9:27; Matthew 20:30; John 9:1). The verb frames cries for mercy. “When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out” (Matthew 20:30). Physical nearness invites faith.
3. Providential intersections (Mark 15:21). Simon of Cyrene, merely “passing by,” is drafted to carry the cross. Divine purposes often meet people in ordinary motion.
4. Protective withdrawal (John 8:59). Jesus “passed through the midst of them and went away,” demonstrating sovereign control even in retreat.

Figurative Use: A World That Is Passing Away

1 Corinthians 7:31 sets a perspective for Christian stewardship: “For this world in its present form is passing away”. Believers use the world’s goods without becoming enslaved, because material conditions are transient.

1 John 2:8 observes that “the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining,” assuring the church that spiritual opposition is temporary.

1 John 2:17 caps the warning and hope: “The world is passing away, and its desires; but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” The ephemeral nature of worldly desires contrasts with the permanence of obedience.

Historical and Cultural Background

In first-century Palestine and the Greco-Roman world, travel occurred on foot along public routes. Vendors, fishermen, tax booths, and beggars positioned themselves beside well-traveled ways in expectation of passers-by. The verb captures that ordinary backdrop, allowing readers to picture encounters with Jesus in realistic settings.

Theological Significance

1. Immediacy of Salvation. Since Jesus may “pass by” only once, the verb urges immediate response (cf. Luke 19:1–10 for a conceptual parallel).
2. Sovereign Initiative. Discipleship and healing begin with Christ’s approach, emphasizing grace.
3. Transience vs. Permanence. The passing nature of the world underlines the unchanging character of God’s kingdom and word (Isaiah 40:8 echoed in 1 John 2:17).
4. Eschatological Hope. Darkness’s passing assures ultimate victory of light; the present order’s passing assures the coming renewal of all things.

Pastoral and Practical Application

• Evangelism: Moments when the gospel “passes by” another person are critical; believers imitate Christ by coming near.
• Stewardship: Possessions and circumstances are held lightly since they are “passing.”
• Suffering: Trials are temporary; hope rests in what endures.
• Discipleship: Like Matthew and Levi, followers leave former occupations immediately when Christ calls.

Intertextual Echoes

Old Testament theophanies often involve God “passing by” (Exodus 33:19, 22; 1 Kings 19:11), preparing readers to recognize Jesus’ identity when He does the same. The continuity affirms the unity of redemptive history.

Conclusion

Whether depicting Jesus’ footsteps on Galilean soil or the fading glory of the present age, the verb reminds the church that divine opportunity and worldly impermanence stand side by side. Wisdom seizes the first and loosens its grip on the second.