Three cases utilize παρά. The ablative, which expresses source or separation, the locative emphasizing location, and the accusative. Therefore, παρά conveys “by the side of”, “from the side of”, or “beside”, “beyond”, “against (contrary to)”.
When παρά is utilized with the ablative case, it indicates source or separation. In response to the Jews (religious leaders) complaining about Jesus saying He is the bread that came down out from heaven, Jesus states no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him. Thus it is written, “And they will all be taught from God, all the ones hearing and learning from the Father come to Me.” (John 6:45). Paul did not receive his gospel from men, nor was he taught is from men. He received the gospel through a revelation from Christ Jesus (Galatians 1:12). Grace, peace, and mercy are from God the Father towards us (2 John 3). The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This has come to be from the Lord (Matthew 21:42). When Mary visited Elizabeth while both of them were pregnant, the babe in Elizabeth’s womb jumped for joy. Elizabeth responded, saying, “Happy is the one who believes, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45). John the Baptist was sent from God to bear witness of the light (John 1:6).
When the locative case uses the assistance of παρά, it conveys location. We are all bought with a price. Therefore, he who is called is not to seek to change his social state because of his calling by the Lord. Each one is to remain alongside God in the state in which he was called (1 Corinthians 7:24). For what credit is it if we suffer because of our own faults and take it with patience? It is better to suffer with patience while doing good, for this is grace alongside God (1 Peter 2:20). The Lord is not slacked in His promises. Alongside Him, a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day (2 Peter 3:8). Angels will not speak blasphemy against another being of higher rank (2 Peter 2:11). It is a righteous matter alongside God to repay with tribulations those who trouble the saints (2 Thessalonians 1:6). The things that are impossible alongside men are possible alongside God (Luke 18:27).
The accusative case will use παρά to articulate “beside”, “beyond”, or “against (contrary to)”. In Hebrews 3:3, the proper opinion of Christ Jesus is beyond the glory of Moses. In contrast to her age, Sarah bore a son (Hebrews 11:11). Abel’s offering was more excellent than Cain’s offering because it was out from faith (Hebrews 11:4). Jesus was made a little lower than the angels in order to die for our sins and be raised unto glory (Hebrews 2:7, 9). The saints in Macedonia freely gave beyond their ability to support the saints in Jerusalem, understanding the value of being in the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:3). One person may esteem a day against another regarding its religious value (Romans 14:5). Those who are unthankful and reject God are turned over to their vile passions to dishonor their own bodies, even exchanging the natural use of the women for that which is against nature (Romans 1:26).
