from εὖ and a derivative of a presumed compound of περί and ἵστημι; well standing around, i.e. (a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction (figuratively, of sin in genitive case):--which doth so easily beset.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **euperístatos**, represented by `{{G2139}}`, is defined as something "well standing around," which thwarts a competitor in every direction. It is used figuratively to describe sin that easily besets or entangles a person. This specific term appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G2139}}` is in [[Hebrews 12:1]]. The verse uses the metaphor of a great athletic contest to describe the Christian life. Believers are portrayed as runners, surrounded by a "so great a cloud of witnesses" `{{G3509}}` `{{G3144}}`. In this context, they are commanded to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." Here, `{{G2139}}` powerfully illustrates sin as a specific type of hindrance, like a trailing garment or a deliberate obstacle, designed to trip up the runner and impede progress in the spiritual **race** `{{G73}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{G2139}}`:
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): This is the specific thing that is described as "easily besetting." It is defined as "a sin (properly abstract)."
* `{{G3591}}` **ónkos** (weight): Paired with sin as an encumbrance to be removed, this word means "a mass (as bending or bulging by its load), i.e. burden (hindrance)."
* `{{G659}}` **apotíthēmi** (lay aside): This is the required action against the besetting sin. The word means "to put away (literally or figuratively)."
* `{{G5143}}` **tréchō** (run): This verb establishes the context of the metaphor, meaning "to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively)."
* `{{G73}}` **agṓn** (race): This term defines the spiritual life as a contest or effort, providing the setting where a besetting sin is most detrimental. It is defined as "a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2139}}` is concentrated in its powerful imagery within this single verse.
* **Sin as an Active Encumbrance:** The word portrays **sin** `{{G266}}` not as a passive mistake but as an active entanglement that surrounds and obstructs a believer's walk. It is a **weight** `{{G3591}}` that must be intentionally cast off to make progress [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* **The Necessity of Spiritual Discipline:** The command to **lay aside** `{{G659}}` the sin that so easily besets us highlights the need for decisive, personal action. It is a call to remove anything that hinders one from running the spiritual **race** `{{G73}}` effectively.
* **Endurance in the Christian Life:** The ultimate goal is to **run** `{{G5143}}` with **patience** `{{G5281}}`. By identifying and setting aside the specific sin that `{{G2139}}` describes, the believer is freed to endure in the course that is **set before** `{{G4295}}` them [[Hebrews 12:1]].
### Summary
In summary, though used only once, `{{G2139}}` provides a vivid and crucial illustration for the Christian life. It defines a particular quality of sin as an obstacle that expertly surrounds and entangles, hindering spiritual momentum. Its use in [[Hebrews 12:1]] serves as a pointed exhortation for believers to identify and decisively cast off such hindrances in order to faithfully run the race set before them.
TRV