"to happen, to chance upon, chance to meet, Acts 17:17*"
Definition and meaning
to happen, to chance upon, chance to meet, Acts 17:17*
In the original Greek the word is written: παρατυγχάνω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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
These are the most notable occurrences of paratynchano (G3909) across the King James Bible.
Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
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Common questions
Strong's G3909 (paratynchano) is a Greek word that means: to happen, to chance upon, chance to meet, Acts 17:17* It appears 1 times in the King James Bible.
The word paratynchano (G3909) appears 1 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3909 is paratynchano, a Greek word defined as: to happen, to chance upon, chance to meet, Acts 17:17*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paratynchano is a Greek word found in the New Testament.