Greek word · Strong's G3952

παρουσία

parousía · noun · “coming, arrival, presence”

In a sentence

Parousia means coming, arrival, or presence — and is the New Testament’s key word for the return of Jesus in glory, the church’s great expectation.

Parousia was used in the Greek world for an official visit by a king or emperor — the long-awaited arrival of someone important. The New Testament takes the word and applies it to Jesus’ return.

Paul and James both call this future event the parousia of the Lord. It is not a vague drift of history but a personal arrival: the same Jesus who ascended will come back, visibly and in glory, to make all things new.

Strong's reference

Definition: a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

KJV usage: coming, presence

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 24:27 “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15 “By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.” James 5:7 “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.