The Greek word περιαιρέω (periairéō), represented by G4014, refers to the action of removing something all around. It is used to mean unveiling, casting off an anchor, or figuratively, to expiate or take away. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its use in both literal and deeply symbolic contexts.
In the biblical narrative, G4014 is used to describe distinct types of removal. In a literal, physical sense, it describes sailors who had taken up the anchors to commit their ship to the sea Acts 27:40. Figuratively, it is used to convey a state of utter despair, where all hope of being saved was taken away during a great storm Acts 27:20. Theologically, the word signifies a spiritual change, where a vail shall be taken away when one turns to the Lord 2 Corinthians 3:16. It is also central to the argument that animal sacrifices can never truly take away sins Hebrews 10:11.
Several related words provide context for the act of removal or the state it addresses:
- G1994 epistréphō (to revert... convert, (re-)turn): This word is used as a prerequisite for the spiritual removal described by G4014. For example, it is only when one shall turn to the Lord that the vail is taken away 2 Corinthians 3:16.
- G4374 prosphérō (to bear towards... offer): This term describes an action that, in certain contexts, fails to achieve the removal sought. Priests are described as offering sacrifices that can never take away sins Hebrews 10:11.
- G447 aníēmi (to let up... slacken or... loose): This word appears alongside G4014 in a literal context, describing a parallel action of release. After the sailors had taken up the anchors, they loosed the rudder bands Acts 27:40.
The theological weight of G4014 is significant, particularly in contrasting the old covenant with the new.
- The Limitation of Sacrifice: The use of G4014 in Hebrews underscores a core Christian doctrine: the repeated sacrifices offered by priests under the old law could never ultimately take away sins G266, pointing to the need for a final, perfect sacrifice Hebrews 10:11.
- Spiritual Revelation: The "taking away" of the vail is directly linked to conversion. When a person or people turn G1994 to the Lord, the barrier to understanding and seeing God clearly is removed 2 Corinthians 3:16.
- Removal of Hope: The figurative use in Acts demonstrates the word's power to describe the complete stripping away of an intangible concept. The loss of hope was not partial but was entirely taken away, showing the severity of the situation Acts 27:20.
In summary, G4014 is a dynamic word that conveys a complete removal. It spans from the concrete action of casting off anchors in a storm Acts 27:40 to the profound spiritual realities of having a vail of understanding removed 2 Corinthians 3:16 and the inability of old sacrifices to take away sin Hebrews 10:11. The word powerfully illustrates the biblical concept of removing physical, emotional, and spiritual hindrances.
TRV