παράσημος
parásēmos
G3902 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Bearing a distinguishing mark or sign, typically one placed prominently for identification. In particular contexts, refers to something marked at the side, such as a ship carrying a specific figurehead or emblem, indicating identity or affiliation. Extended use includes any symbol, artifact, or visual identifier marked on an object to convey information about its origin, owner, or character.
Semantic Range
marked with a sign, carrying a distinguishing mark or emblem, labelled with a badge, having an identifying figurehead (of ships), bearing a prominent visual identifier, flagged or marked for identification
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition παρά ('beside, near, at the side of') and the root of σῆμα ('sign, mark'). Thus, literally 'marked at the side' or 'beside the mark.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Classical and Hellenistic Greek to describe objects or persons marked by some distinguishing sign, especially for purposes of identification. In the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 28:11), παράσημος is used to describe a ship with a sign (figurehead) of the Dioscuri, indicating ownership or patronage. The word can refer to any emblem, badge, or distinguishing label, whether painted, carved, or attached to an object. English translations often render it simply as 'sign', but the nuance includes the idea of an official or visually prominent marking, especially marking identity or origin. Unlike the more general σῆμα (generic 'sign' or 'mark'), παράσημος emphasizes a distinguishing or identifying function, often placed conspicuously (e.g., at the prow of a ship). Its use is relatively rare, and it does not occur in the Septuagint. Later Greek uses retain a similar sense of an identifying or official mark.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from παρά and the base of σημαίνω; side-marked, i.e. labelled (with a badge (figure-head) of a ship):--sign.
Root Family
παράσημος (parasēmos) — side-marked, bearing a sign, marked for identification, emblem-bearing
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3902-01 |
παρασήμῳ | parasemo | ADJ.P DAT N SG |
whose sign | to the sign-marked | bearing a sign | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3902-01 |
Acts 28:11 | παρασήμῳ | parasemo | ADJ.P DAT N SG |
whose sign | to the sign-marked | bearing a sign |