### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
περιάγω (periágō) is a compound Greek verb derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb ἄγω (agō), meaning "to lead," "to bring," or "to go." The core meaning therefore encompasses "to lead around," "to bring around," or, in its reflexive sense, "to go around" or "to walk about." This implies a movement that encompasses an area, often suggesting a circuitous path or extensive travel within a defined region. The semantic range includes both literal circumambulation and a more figurative sense of comprehensive, widespread activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of περιάγω in the New Testament primarily describe extensive, purposeful movement:
* **Itinerant Ministry of Jesus:** The synoptic Gospels frequently employ περιάγω to describe Jesus's widespread teaching and healing ministry.
* In [[Matthew 4:23]], "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom..." Here, περιάγω emphasizes the comprehensive geographical scope of Jesus's initial ministry, covering the entire region.
* Similarly, [[Matthew 9:35]] states, "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom..." This reiterates the theme of Jesus's tireless and expansive evangelistic and didactic work, reaching numerous communities.
* [[Mark 6:6]] also notes, "And he went round about the villages, teaching," reinforcing the image of Jesus's active, mobile ministry. These passages underscore Jesus's proactive engagement with the populace, seeking them out rather than awaiting their arrival.
* **Zealous, Yet Misguided, Efforts:**
* In [[Matthew 23:15]], Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte..." Here, περιάγω (translated "compass") denotes the extreme and far-reaching efforts of the Pharisees to gain converts, highlighting their intense, though ultimately misdirected, zeal for their legalistic traditions.
* **Apostolic Rights and Accompaniment:**
* [[1 Corinthians 9:5]] presents a unique usage in Paul's defense of apostolic rights: "Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?" Here, περιάγω (translated "lead about") refers to the right of an apostle to travel with a believing wife, implying the act of accompanying or taking someone along on their journeys. This speaks to the practical support and provisions necessary for those engaged in itinerant ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **περί (peri) `{{G4012}}`**: The preposition "around," which is the foundational component of περιάγω, signifying circumambulation or encompassing.
* **ἄγω (agō) `{{G71}}`**: The root verb "to lead," "to bring," or "to go," which provides the core action of the word. Other compounds with ἄγω (e.g., ἀπάγω `{{G520}}` "to lead away," συνάγω `{{G4863}}` "to gather together") share the concept of directed movement.
* **περιπατέω (peripatéō) `{{G4043}}`**: "To walk around," "to walk about." While περιάγω can be reflexive for "walking around," περιπατέω often denotes general walking or, more commonly in the New Testament, one's manner of life or conduct. περιάγω typically implies a more purposeful, extensive, or encompassing movement than περιπατέω.
* **Itinerant Ministry**: The theological concept of traveling extensively for the purpose of preaching, teaching, and ministering, which is clearly exemplified by Jesus and the apostles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of περιάγω centers on several key themes:
* **The Proactive Nature of Jesus's Ministry**: The repeated description of Jesus "going about" highlights His tireless and comprehensive dedication to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. It underscores His active initiative in seeking out people across diverse geographical areas, rather than passively waiting for them to come to Him. This reflects the divine shepherd actively pursuing His lost sheep.
* **Divine Zeal and Purpose**: The use of περιάγω conveys a sense of earnest effort and zeal. For Jesus, this zeal was directed towards teaching, healing, and evangelizing, demonstrating His profound compassion and commitment to humanity's spiritual and physical well-being. Even in the negative example of the Pharisees, the word conveys an intense, although misguided, pursuit of their objectives.
* **The Practicalities of Apostolic Service**: In [[1 Corinthians 9:5]], περιάγω addresses the practical needs and rights of those engaged in full-time, itinerant ministry. Paul's argument for the right to "lead about a sister, a wife" underscores the principle that those dedicated to spreading the Gospel should be supported, including their families, as they travel and serve. This speaks to the church's responsibility to provide for its ministers.
### Summary
περιάγω (periágō) is a Greek verb signifying "to lead around" or "to go about," denoting extensive and purposeful movement. Its primary use in the Gospels paints a vivid picture of Jesus's proactive and comprehensive itinerant ministry, as He tirelessly "went about" Galilee and various cities and villages, teaching and preaching the Kingdom of God. This highlights His divine initiative and zealous commitment to reaching humanity. The word also appears in a condemnation of the Pharisees' zealous, yet misdirected, efforts to gain converts, and in Paul's discussion of the practical rights of apostles to travel with their believing wives, underscoring the need for support in itinerant ministry. Thus, περιάγω encapsulates the scope, zeal, and practical realities inherent in the early Christian mission, particularly as exemplified by Jesus Himself.
TRV