Original Word: παροιμία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: paroimia
Pronunciation: pah-roy-MEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (par-oy-mee'-ah)
KJV: parable, proverb
NASB: figurative language, figure of speech, proverb
Word Origin: [from a compound of G3844 (παρά - than) and perhaps a derivative of G3633 (οἴομαι - expect)]

1. apparently a state alongside of supposition
2. (concretely) an adage
3. (specially) an enigmatical or fictitious illustration

parable, proverb.

From a compound of para and perhaps a derivative of oiomai; apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e. (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration -- parable, proverb.

see GREEK para

see GREEK oiomai

Word Origin
from paroimos (by the way)
Definition
a byword, a parable, an allegory
NASB Translation
figurative language (2), figure of speech (2), proverb (1).

STRONGS NT 3942: παροιμία

παροιμία, παροιμίας, ἡ (παρά by, aside from (cf. παρά, IV. 2), and οἶμος way), properly, a saying out of the usual course or deviating from the usual manner of speaking (cf. Suidas 654, 15; but Hesychius under the word, et al., 'a saying heard by the wayside' (παρά, IV. 1), i. e. a current or trite saying, proverb; cf. Curtius, § 611; Stephanus' Thesaurus, under the word), hence,

1. a clever and sententious saying, a proverb (Aeschylus Ag. 264; Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, others; examples from Philo are given by Hilgenfeld, Die Evangelien, p. 292f (as de ebriet. § 20; de Abr. § 40; de vit. Moys. i. § 28; ii. § 5; de exsecrat. § 6); for מָשָׁל in Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 25:1 the Alex. manuscript; Sir. 6:35, etc.): τό τῆς παροιμίας, what is in the proverb (Lucian, dial. mort. 6, 2; 8, 1), 2 Peter 2:22.

2. any dark saying which shadows forth some didactic truth, especially a symbolic or figurative saying: παροιμίαν λέγειν, John 16:29; ἐν παροιμίαις λαλεῖν, ibid. 25; "speech or discourse in which a thing is illustrated by the use of similes and comparisons; an allegory, i. e. extended and elaborate metaphor": John 10:6.

Semantic Range and Nuance

Strong’s Greek 3942 (παροιμία, paroimia) denotes a pithy, pointed saying that conveys truth by comparison, riddle, or veiled illustration. While often rendered “proverb,” the word carries the broader idea of an enigmatic or figurative utterance whose full meaning invites contemplation and, ultimately, revelation.

Old Testament Wisdom Background

The Septuagint frequently uses παροιμία to translate the Hebrew מָשָׁל (mashal), linking the New Testament term to Israel’s heritage of inspired proverbs and parables. In Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Ezekiel, mashal can function as moral maxim, prophetic taunt, or parabolic story. This backdrop situates paroimia within God’s longstanding method of communicating wisdom through memorable, thought-provoking speech.

Johannine Usage: Veiled Revelation in the Upper Room

John employs paroimia four times, each highlighting the transition from indirect to direct revelation in Christ’s ministry.

• John 10:6 records Jesus’ Shepherd discourse: “Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.” The paroimia here sets up the ensuing explanation, showing that spiritual blindness hinders comprehension until Christ Himself unlocks the meaning.
• In the Farewell Discourse, Jesus affirms both the temporary necessity and the imminent cessation of figurative language: “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but I will tell you plainly about the Father” (John 16:25).
• The disciples recognize the shift: “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech” (John 16:29). Paroimia thus marks the boundary between pre-resurrection obscurity and post-resurrection clarity, underscoring that full understanding depends on the completed work of Christ and the coming of the Spirit (John 16:13).

Didactic Function in Jesus’ Public Ministry

Paroimiai protected truth from hostile hearers while drawing sincere seekers deeper (cf. Matthew 13:10-17). They cultivated meditation, required humility, and prepared hearts for the greater unveiling of gospel realities. Even after explaining His figures, Jesus ensured the disciples grasped that revelation is a gift, not mere intellectual achievement.

Apostolic Application: Moral Warning (2 Peter 2:22)

Peter cites well-known wisdom sayings to expose the nature of false teachers: “Of them the proverbs are true: ‘A dog returns to its vomit,’ and, ‘A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.’” Here paroimia supplies a vivid, earthy indictment. By invoking common proverbs, Peter grounds his warning in observable reality: without regeneration, the heart inevitably reverts to corruption. The apostle’s use demonstrates that paroimiai remain potent tools for ethical instruction within the church.

Theological Implications

1. Progressive Revelation: Paroimiai testify to God’s orderly disclosure of truth—initially concealed, ultimately clarified in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2).
2. Dependence on the Spirit: Understanding moves from riddle to reality through the Spirit’s illumination (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
3. Accountability: The shift from figure to plain speech removes excuses; increased light demands obedient faith (John 15:22).

Ministry Application

• Preaching: Employ illustrative sayings to engage listeners, but always lead them to explicit gospel truth.
• Discipleship: Encourage believers to wrestle with Scripture’s figures, trusting the Spirit to reward diligent study.
• Apologetics: Recognize that some biblical statements appear enigmatic until viewed through the lens of Christ’s finished work.

Related Concepts

Parable (παραβολή), Mystery (μυστήριον), Wisdom (σοφία), Understanding (σύνεσις).

παροιμίαι παροιμιαις παροιμίαις παροιμιαν παροιμίαν παροιμιας παροιμίας παροινήσουσιν paroimiais paroimíais paroimian paroimían paroimias paroimíasInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts