Refiner Word Study paradosis (G3862)
G3862  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
παράδοσις
paradosis
13 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"delivery, handing over, transmission; in NT what is transmitted in the way of teaching, precept, doctrine, 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; tradition, traditionary law, handed down from age to age, Mt. 15:2, 3, 6"

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Definition and meaning

What does paradosis mean in Greek?

13
Occurrences in Scripture
G3862
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

delivery, handing over, transmission; in NT what is transmitted in the way of teaching, precept, doctrine, 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; tradition, traditionary law, handed down from age to age, Mt. 15:2, 3, 6

In the original Greek the word is written: παράδοσις

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 10 Bible verses with paradosis

These are the most notable occurrences of paradosis (G3862) across the King James Bible.

Matthew 15:2

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Matthew 15:3

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Mark 7:3

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

Mark 7:5

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

Mark 7:8

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Mark 7:9

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Mark 7:13

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

1 Corinthians 11:2

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

Galatians 1:14

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about paradosis

What does paradosis mean in Greek?

Strong's G3862 (paradosis) is a Greek word that means: delivery, handing over, transmission; in NT what is transmitted in the way of teaching, precept, doctrine, 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; tradition, traditionary law, handed down from age to age, Mt... It appears 13 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does paradosis appear in the Bible?

The word paradosis (G3862) appears 13 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G3862?

Strong's G3862 is paradosis, a Greek word defined as: delivery, handing over, transmission; in NT what is transmitted in the way of teaching, precept, doctrine, 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; tradition,. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is paradosis in the Old Testament or New Testament?

paradosis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.