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παράδοξος

parádoxos

G3861 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Contrary to expectation; remarkable or extraordinary, especially in the sense of something that is surprising, unusual, or at odds with accepted opinion or custom. Can be used for phenomena, statements, or actions perceived as startling, unexpected, or seemingly unbelievable.

Semantic Range

unexpected, contrary to expectation, extraordinary, surprising, remarkable, strange, astounding

Root / Etymology

From the preposition παρά ('beside, beyond') and δόξα ('opinion, belief, expectation'). The compound literally means 'beyond opinion' or 'contrary to expectation.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adjectival form παράδοξος is rare in classical Greek but appears in Koine, including the New Testament (e.g., Luke 5:26, where it describes something astonishing or unexpected witnessed by a crowd). Its root sense captures a sense of surprise or astonishment at something that defies ordinary understanding—frequently used of words, deeds, or occurrences that challenge prevailing norms or expectations. English translations sometimes render it as 'strange,' 'remarkable,' or 'extraordinary,' but these do not always capture the nuance of being both unexpected and noteworthy. The noun form, παράδοξον, appears in literary Greek (philosophical paradox or puzzle), but the adjectival usage emphasizes the subjective experience—what seems astonishing to the observer. The term can contrast with κοινός ('common, ordinary'), highlighting a break with the mundane or accepted.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and δόξα (in the sense of seeming); contrary to expectation, i.e. extraordinary ("paradox"):--strange.

Root Family

παρά-δοξ- (parádoxos) — beside or contrary to opinion, beyond expectation

Root παρά-δοξ- beside or contrary to opinion, beyond expectation

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3861-01 παράδοξα paradoxa ADJ.S ACC N PL remarkable things extraordinary things extraordinary things 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3861-01 Luke 5:26 παράδοξα paradoxa ADJ.S ACC N PL remarkable things extraordinary things extraordinary things
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