UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to be paralyzed, to be lame

Semantic entry: 23.170

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Sickness, Disease, Weakness

Definition: to suffer paralysis in one or more limbs, especially in the leg or foot

Notes: In OET HEB 12:12 παραλύομαι occurs in a highly figurative context: τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα ἀνορθώσατε ‘straighten up the paralyzed knees.’ It is often better in this context to speak of ‘strengthening the weak knees,’ but in any event, the reference to the physical situation of the individual is merely a way of speaking about a psychological state (see 25.152: ἀνορθόω / 25.152: γόνυ / 25.152: παραλύω).

Forms: παραλύομαι[a]

Sense 2: to become encouraged, to encourage oneself by determination

Semantic entry: 25.152

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Encouragement, Consolation

Definition: (an idiom, literally: straighten paralyzed knees) to gain encouragement by a strong resolve

Notes: See discussion at 23.170: παραλύω.

Forms: παραλύομαι[b]

Collocations: τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα ἀνορθόω