The Greek word perí, represented by G4012, functions primarily as a preposition signifying "around" or, figuratively, "with respect to." It appears 333 times in 304 verses. Its core meaning conveys a sense of encompassing a subject, whether in place, cause, or time.
The versatility of G4012 perí is further illuminated by its interaction with various grammatical cases, which subtly shifts its semantic emphasis. When construed with the genitive case, it often denotes the subject or topic "concerning" which something is said or done, highlighting a sphere of interest or knowledge. This is seen in phrases like "to speak of the patriarch David" Acts 2:29 or "they doubted of them whereunto this would grow" Acts 5:24. With the accusative case, G4012 perí frequently conveys purpose, cause, or the object "for" which an action occurs, as in suffering "for" sins 1 Peter 3:18. This distinction underscores that G4012 does not merely indicate proximity but defines the intrinsic relation of an action or statement to its object, whether as its theme, its reason, or its beneficiary. The underlying sense of encompassing or defining a boundary for a concept remains, making it a crucial marker for understanding scope and relevance.
In scripture, G4012 is used to define the subject or purpose of an action or statement. The Bible uses it to show that the scriptures testify "of" Jesus John 5:39, and that the Law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms contain things written "concerning" Him Luke 24:44. The word also denotes the purpose of Christ's sacrifice, as He suffered once "for" sins 1 Peter 3:18 and was sent as the propitiation "for" our sins 1 John 4:10. Furthermore, it is used to direct prayer and intercession, such as praying "for" all saints Ephesians 6:18 or when Jesus prayed "for" Peter Luke 22:32.
Beyond its role in theological statements, G4012 serves as a common introductory particle in epistolary literature, signaling a change of topic or addressing a specific inquiry. Paul frequently employs it to transition to new subjects, often translated as "now concerning" or "as touching." For instance, in his first letter to the Corinthians, he writes, "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" 1 Corinthians 7:1, and later, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" 1 Corinthians 12:1. This usage establishes the scope of the subsequent discussion, guiding the reader through the various issues addressed by the apostle, such as "as touching things offered unto idols" 1 Corinthians 8:1 or "concerning the collection for the saints" 1 Corinthians 16:1.
G4012 is central to legal and judicial contexts within the New Testament, where it introduces the subject of an accusation, questioning, or defense. Paul himself uses it repeatedly when on trial, declaring, "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews" Acts 26:2. The preposition clarifies what the contention or charge is "about," as when Festus acknowledges "certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead" Acts 25:19, or when Paul states he is "called in question by you this day" Acts 24:21 "Touching the resurrection of the dead." This demonstrates G4012's capacity to precisely delineate the focal point of debate or judicial inquiry.
Several other prepositions are used in similar contexts, which helps clarify the specific meaning of G4012:
- G1223 diá (through): This preposition denotes the channel of an act and is sometimes used alongside G4012 to distinguish the means from the subject, as seen in praying "with" all prayer "for" the saints Ephesians 6:18.
- G1909 epí (upon): Meaning superimposition, this word is used to show where a burden is placed, in contrast to G4012 which indicates who the concern is about. For example, believers cast their care "upon" G1909 God, because He cares "for" G4012 them 1 Peter 5:7.
- G5228 hypér (for the sake of, instead): This word often carries a stronger sense of substitution. In 1 Peter 3:18, Christ suffered "for" G4012 sins, the just "for" G5228 the unjust, highlighting both the subject of the suffering (sins) and the substitutionary object (the unjust).
- G4013 periágō (lead around, go about): This compound verb explicitly combines G4012 perí with G71 agō (to lead), illustrating the spatial sense of moving "around" or "about" in a circuit.
- G4023 periéchō (contain, surround): Formed from G4012 perí and G2192 echō (to hold, have), this word highlights the encompassing or circumscribing aspect inherent in G4012, suggesting something held "around" or "within" a boundary.
- G4053 perissós (abundant, beyond): Derived from G4012 perí in the sense of "beyond" or "over," this adjective denotes that which is in excess, superfluous, or more than what is needed, extending the idea of surrounding to that which goes "above and beyond" a measure.
The theological weight of G4012 is most evident in its application to Christ's person and work.
- Subject of Divine Revelation: The word establishes Jesus as the central theme of all scripture. Moses wrote "of" Him John 5:46, the scriptures testify "of" Him John 5:39, and Jesus himself expounded from all the scriptures the things "concerning" himself Luke 24:27.
- Atonement for Sin: G4012 is used to explain the purpose of Christ's sacrifice. His blood was shed "for" many for the remission of sins Matthew 26:28, and God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and "for" sin Romans 8:3. He is the propitiation "for" our sins 1 John 2:2.
- Intercessory Prayer and Care: The term is foundational to the practice of intercession, defining the object of prayer, such as praying "for" fellow believers Ephesians 6:18 and for ministers of the gospel Colossians 4:3. It also expresses God's compassion and care "for" His people 1 Peter 5:7.
- Focus of Apostolic Teaching and Preaching: G4012 frequently introduces the specific subject matter of the gospel message as proclaimed by the apostles. It clarifies what their instruction or testimony is "concerning." For instance, Philip preached "the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ" Acts 8:12, and Paul "persuaded them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets" Acts 28:23. This usage highlights the Christ-centered and kingdom-focused nature of early Christian evangelism and instruction.
- Defining the Nature of Error and False Teaching: The preposition is also employed to specify the doctrinal or moral subjects around which false teachings or spiritual dangers revolve. It marks the area in which some have "made shipwreck" concerning faith 1 Timothy 1:19 or have "erred concerning the faith" 1 Timothy 6:21, particularly "concerning the truth" 2 Timothy 2:18. This demonstrates G4012's function in clearly identifying the specific points of contention or deviation from sound doctrine.
The preposition G4012 perí is a highly versatile term in the New Testament, foundational for understanding the precise relationships between actions, statements, and their subjects. Its core meaning of "around" extends to define the scope, topic, or purpose of an event or discussion. Whether indicating a physical circumscription or a conceptual sphere, G4012 clarifies what something is "about" or "concerning." This is evident in its nuanced use with various grammatical cases, where the genitive often specifies the subject of discourse and the accusative points to the purpose or cause.
Beyond its crucial role in articulating Christ's person and atoning work, as well as the practice of intercessory prayer, G4012 frequently signals shifts in epistolary discourse, introducing new topics as "concerning" or "as touching" specific matters addressed to early Christian communities. It also plays a significant part in judicial narratives, precisely delineating the accusations or points of inquiry in legal proceedings. The word further serves to highlight the central focus of apostolic preaching and teaching, consistently orienting the message "concerning" Jesus and the kingdom of God.
G4012 helps to identify the specific areas where Christian conduct is prescribed or where false teachings pose a threat, marking the subjects "concerning" which believers must be vigilant. Its presence in compound words like G4013 periágō (to lead around), G4023 periéchō (to contain), and G4053 perissós (abundant, beyond) further illustrates its inherent sense of encompassing, surrounding, or exceeding limits. Ultimately, G4012 perí is far more than a simple spatial indicator; it is a critical linguistic tool that defines the thematic and causal relationships essential for grasping the profound theological and practical truths conveyed throughout the New Testament.
TRV