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G3860 · Greek · New Testament
παραδίδωμι
Paradidōmi
Verb
To deliver over / betray / hand down

Definition

The Greek verb paradidōmi means to hand over, deliver up, entrust, or betray — to pass something from one person's hands to another's. The prefix para- (alongside/over) + didōmi (to give) creates the sense of a deliberate handoff.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paradidōmi is one of the most theologically loaded verbs in the New Testament. It describes Judas betraying Jesus; the Jewish leaders handing Jesus to Pilate; Pilate handing Him over to be crucified. Yet Paul in Romans 8:32 uses the same word for the Father: 'He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up (paradidōmi) for us all.' And in 1 Corinthians 11:23: 'the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed (paradidōmi)...' — the betrayal that accomplished our redemption. Paul also uses it for the transmission of tradition: 'I passed on (paradidōmi) to you what I received' (1 Corinthians 15:3). The word spans betrayal and faithful transmission — in God's sovereign purposes, even betrayal becomes the means of grace.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Matthew 26:2 the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.
1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed.

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