### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πέρας (péras, `{{G4009}}`) denotes an "extremity," "end," or "limit." Its etymological root lies in πέραν (peran, `{{G4008}}`), which signifies "beyond," "across," or "on the other side." This etymological connection is crucial, as it imbues πέρας with the sense of a boundary or a point marking the furthest extent of something. While it can denote a physical or geographical boundary, its semantic range extends to conceptual limits or the utmost reach of a given phenomenon. It is not merely a termination point, but rather the boundary that defines the scope or extent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πέρας (péras, `{{G4009}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, consistently in the plural form πέρατα (perata), referring to geographical extremities:
* **[[Matthew 12:42]] / [[Luke 11:31]]**: In these parallel accounts, Jesus refers to the Queen of the South who "came from the ends of the earth" (ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς) to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Here, πέρατα clearly denotes a distant, geographical extreme, emphasizing the great distance she traveled and implicitly, the extraordinary nature of her quest for wisdom compared to the spiritual blindness of those closer to Jesus.
* **[[Romans 10:18]]**: Paul quotes from Psalm 19:4, stating, "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world" (εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης). In this context, πέρατα refers to the furthest reaches of the inhabited world, signifying the universal scope of the gospel's proclamation. Just as the silent witness of creation extends to every corner of the globe, so too must the explicit message of salvation. This usage underscores the global, comprehensive nature of divine revelation and the missional imperative.
In all instances, πέρας functions to describe the furthest geographical or conceptual boundary, highlighting the expansive reach of a person's journey, divine wisdom, or the gospel message.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding πέρας (péras, `{{G4009}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms that convey notions of "end" or "limit":
* πέραν (peran, `{{G4008}}`): As its etymological root, πέραν means "beyond" or "across." This connection emphasizes that πέρας marks the point at which one reaches the "other side" or the ultimate boundary.
* ἔσχατος (eschatos, `{{G2078}}`): Meaning "last" or "uttermost," ἔσχατος primarily denotes a temporal end (e.g., "the last days," "the last judgment"). While πέρας can imply an ultimate point, its focus is more on spatial or conceptual extent rather than chronological finality.
* τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`): This versatile term signifies an "end," "goal," "purpose," or "completion." It can refer to the termination of a process or the ultimate aim of an action. Unlike πέρας, which defines a boundary, τέλος often points to the culmination or the intended outcome.
* συντέλεια (synteleia, `{{G4930}}`): Meaning "completion" or "consummation," this word is often used in eschatological contexts, particularly "the consummation of the age" ([[Matthew 13:39]]). Like ἔσχατος and τέλος, it carries a strong temporal and teleological emphasis that distinguishes it from the more spatial or extensive connotation of πέρας.
Thus, πέρας uniquely highlights the concept of an ultimate boundary or the furthest extent, whether geographical or otherwise, without necessarily implying a temporal conclusion or a teleological purpose.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of πέρας (péras, `{{G4009}}`) in the New Testament carry significant theological weight:
1. **Universal Scope of Divine Revelation and Salvation**: The most prominent theological implication comes from [[Romans 10:18]], where the gospel's reach to the "ends of the world" echoes the universal witness of creation (Psalm 19). This underscores God's intention for His redemptive message to transcend all geographical and cultural boundaries, reaching every corner of the inhabited earth. It affirms that God's saving grace is not confined to a particular people or region but is offered to all humanity.
2. **Missiological Mandate**: The concept of the gospel reaching the πέρατα of the earth provides a foundational biblical basis for the church's global mission. It resonates deeply with Jesus' Great Commission in [[Acts 1:8]], where disciples are called to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." This imperative is not merely to spread the message locally, but to actively pursue its dissemination to the uttermost human habitations.
3. **Divine Judgment and Wisdom**: In [[Matthew 12:42]] and [[Luke 11:31]], the Queen of the South's journey from the "ends of the earth" to seek Solomon's wisdom serves as a stark contrast and a profound rebuke to those in Jesus' immediate vicinity who, despite having access to a greater wisdom (Jesus Himself), remained unresponsive. This highlights that even those from the most distant regions will recognize and respond to true wisdom, implying a future judgment where their faith will condemn the unbelief of those who had greater privilege.
### Summary
πέρας (péras, `{{G4009}}`) is a Greek noun signifying an "extremity," "end," or "limit," rooted in the concept of being "beyond" (πέραν, `{{G4008}}`). In the New Testament, it consistently refers to geographical "ends of the earth" ([[Matthew 12:42]], [[Luke 11:31]], [[Romans 10:18]]). Theologically, πέρας underscores the universal reach of God's revelation and redemptive plan, providing a robust biblical foundation for the global mission of the church. It emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's saving purpose, extending to all nations, and serves as a reminder of the accountability of those who encounter divine truth. While related to words like ἔσχατος (`{{G2078}}`) and τέλος (`{{G5056}}`), πέρας uniquely highlights spatial or conceptual boundaries and ultimate extents rather than primarily temporal conclusions or teleological aims.
TRV