### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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