παρακύπτω
parakýptō
G3879 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To stoop down or bend over in order to observe something closely, often with the sense of intentionally directing one’s gaze or attention toward something by physically lowering oneself. The term is used both literally (to stoop or crouch down to see) and figuratively (to examine or investigate carefully). Extends to contexts involving careful study or earnest observation, especially where effort or desire to see is implied.
Semantic Range
to stoop down to look, to bend beside in order to observe, to peer into or examine closely, to investigate or study attentively
Root / Etymology
From the preposition παρά (beside, alongside) combined with the verb κύπτω (to bend forward, stoop). The compound indicates the act of bending one's body beside or over something in order to see or observe.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, παρακύπτω appears rarely, but the simplex κύπτω is widely attested, meaning 'to stoop' or 'to bend forward.' In the Septuagint and New Testament, παρακύπτω predominantly describes the physical action of stooping down in order to see—such as at a tomb (John 20:5, 11) or looking into something of interest. In James 1:25, it acquires a more figurative sense, denoting careful or studious examination (of the law). The physical image implies intentional, focused attention, often accompanied by earnest desire. English translations frequently render παρακύπτω as 'to look into,' 'to stoop down,' or 'to peer,' but these may not convey the full nuance of eager or close observation. The term differs from βλέπω or θεωρέω, which focus more generally on the act of seeing, while παρακύπτω emphasizes the act of physically (and metaphorically) leaning in for closer inspection. The physical aspect remains prominent in Koine usage, but the figurative usage emerges especially in Jewish-Greek contexts relating to study or spiritual curiosity.
Translation Consistency
Parakýptō primarily denotes physically lowering oneself in order to look closely; 'stoop' naturally captures the literal sense (stoop down to look) while also working for the figurative sense of bending down/leaning in to examine or peer. It is more specific than 'look' and more natural than technical options like 'bend' or 'peer,' so it best fits the typical usage across contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from παρά and κύπτω; to bend beside, i.e. lean over (so as to peer within):--look (into), stoop down.
Root Family
κυπτ- (parakýptō) — to bend, to stoop
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3879-02 |
παρακύψας | parakupsas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
looks intently | having stooped to look | having stooped to look | 3 |
G3879-01 |
παρακύψαι | parakupsai | V AOR ACT INF |
to look into | to stoop down to peer closely | to look into | 1 |
G3879-03 |
παρέκυψεν | parekupsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
she stooped | stooped down to look | stooped down to look | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3879-02 |
Luke 24:12 | παρακύψας | parakupsas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
stooping | having stooped to look | having stooped to look |
G3879-02 |
John 20:5 | παρακύψας | parakupsas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
stooping down | having stooped to look | having stooped to look |
G3879-03 |
John 20:11 | παρέκυψεν | parekupsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
she stooped | stooped down to look | stooped down to look |
G3879-02 |
James 1:25 | παρακύψας | parakupsas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
looks intently | having stooped to look | having stooped to look |
G3879-01 |
1 Peter 1:12 | παρακύψαι | parakupsai | V AOR ACT INF |
to look into | to stoop down to peer closely | to look into |