From para (beside, before) + histēmi (to stand). Paristēmi means to place beside, stand before, present, offer, assist, make available. It can be intransitive ('to stand by, be present') or transitive ('to present, offer').
The word paristēmi bridges the cultic language of sacrifice and the ethical language of total consecration. Romans 12:1 — 'Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer (parastēsai) your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.' This is the great NT call to whole-life worship — not bringing a dead animal to an altar, but presenting the living, breathing, working, walking self as a continuous sacrifice. The word used for OT animal sacrifice is now applied to the Christian's daily life. Romans 6:13, 19 employs it for the surrender of one's bodily capacities from instruments of wickedness to instruments of righteousness. 2 Timothy 2:15 — 'present yourself (parastēson) to God as one approved' — every worker, student, soldier presenting their life to divine review. The ultimate paristēmi is Christ presenting His bride to the Father — 'the church in all her glory, without stain or wrinkle' (Eph. 5:27).