Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Parembole; or Insertion

Parenthetic Independent Addition

Par-em´-bol-ee´ (παρεμβολή), from παρά (para), beside, ἐν (en), in, and βολή (bolee), a throwing or casting (from βάλλω, ballô, to throw).

Hence, a Parembole is an insertion beside, between, or among others; and the name is used when the sentence interposed is independent and complete in itself; and would make complete sense if it were separated from the sentence which it divides.

It is called also EPEMBOLE (Ep-em´-bol-ee, ἐπεμβολή), from ἐπί (epi), upon, ἐν (en), in, and βολή (bolee), a casting. A casting in upon.

And PAREMPTOSIS (Par-emp-to´-sis, παρέμπτωσις), from παρά (para), beside, ἐν (en), in, and πτῶσις (ptôsis), a falling (from πίπτω, to fall), a falling in beside.

Isaiah 60:12 is a Parembole, complete in itself.

Mark 7:3-4.-These two verses are interposed, and are independent of the context.

Luke 17:9 is an independent question and answer thrown in, in the midst of the argument.

Acts 2:8-11 form a Parembole.

Romans 8:2-15 is a long Parembole setting forth the further relation between flesh and spirit: i.e., the Old man and the New man, the Old nature and the New divine and spiritual nature, the πνεῦμα (pneuma), or πνεῦμα χριστοῦ (pneuma-Christou) which is given to all who are in Christ. Consequently the "s" in spirit should be a small "s," and not a capital letter, in all these verses: the Holy Spirit Himself not being mentioned, or referred to, as a Person until verse 16.

The whole of the interpretation of this important passage depends on this Parembole.* [Note: See article on , Things to Come, May, 1899.]

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 is an independent digression: and the sense reads on from verse 19 to 29. Thus:-

(19). "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable …

(29). Else, what shall they do who are being baptized? It is for the dead, if the dead rise not all?" etc. (see under Ellipsis, page 41).

Philippians 3:18-19.-These verses are an independent Parembole.

Ephesians 1:19-23 is a Parembole, and the sense reads on from 1:19 to chap. 2:1: "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe (…), even you who were dead in trespasses and sins," etc. But see under Ellipsis (page 109).

Ephesians 3:2-13 is a Parembole, and a digression explaining Paul’s special ministry in connection with the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 5:22-23.-"Keep thyself … infirmities" forms a Parembole.

1 Peter 3:19-21.* [Note: See The Spirits in Prison, by the same author and publisher.]