from περί and αἱρέομαι (including its alternate); to remove all around, i.e. unveil, cast off (anchor); figuratively, to expiate:--take away (up).
Transliteration:periairéō
Pronunciation:per-ee-ahee-reh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4014 periaireō is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb αἱρέομαι (haireomai), meaning "to take," "to grasp," or "to choose." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to take away all around," "to remove completely," or "to strip off." This implies a thorough and decisive act of removal.
Its semantic range extends from the literal act of physical removal to more figurative and profound applications. Literally, it can refer to the act of "casting off" or "taking up" something that encircles or holds fast, such as anchors. Figuratively, it denotes the "unveiling" or "taking away" of something that obscures or hinders perception, particularly in a spiritual or cognitive sense. The definition also includes the nuanced meaning of "expiate," suggesting the removal or taking away of sin or guilt, though this specific usage is less direct in its New Testament occurrences. The core idea remains a complete and effective removal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4014 periaireō appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
1. **[[Acts 27:40]]**: "When they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea..." (ESV). In this nautical context, the word describes the action of the sailors "casting off" or "taking up" the anchors from the seabed. This is a literal, physical act of removal, essential for the ship to move forward. The anchors, having served their purpose of holding the ship in place during the storm, are now decisively removed to allow for progress towards the shore. This illustrates the primary sense of "to remove all around" or "to take away completely" that which is holding something in place.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 3:16]]**: "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." (ESV). Here, G4014 is used in a profoundly figurative and theological sense. Paul is discussing the spiritual blindness of the Israelites under the Old Covenant, symbolized by the veil over Moses' face when he spoke with God. This veil prevented the people from seeing the fading glory of the Old Covenant and understanding its temporary nature. Paul declares that when a person "turns to the Lord," this spiritual "veil is taken away." The removal is not physical but spiritual, signifying the removal of spiritual dullness, misunderstanding, or hardened hearts that prevent true comprehension of God's revelation in Christ. This usage highlights the sense of "unveiling" or "removing that which obscures," leading to spiritual clarity and freedom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of G4014 periaireō connect it to `{{G4012}}` (peri), indicating encompassing or surrounding, and `{{G138}}` (haireomai), a verb of taking or choosing. This root haireomai is also found in other compounds, such as `{{G142}}` (airō), meaning "to lift," "take up," or "take away," which shares a similar semantic range of removal but without the "around" nuance. Other related verbs of removal include `{{G5227}}` (aphaireō), "to take away from," often implying a separation, and `{{G337}}` (anaireō), "to take up" or "destroy."
Conceptually, G4014 periaireō in [[2 Corinthians 3:16]] is closely linked to ideas of revelation, spiritual illumination, and freedom. The "taking away" of the veil implies a movement from obscurity to clarity, from bondage to liberty. This resonates with the broader biblical themes of God's self-disclosure, the breaking of spiritual strongholds, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in granting understanding (`{{G4151}}` pneuma). The act of "expiation" implied in the base definition, though not explicitly seen in the NT occurrences, connects it to the concept of sin's removal, a theme central to the atonement achieved through Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4014 periaireō is most profoundly expressed in [[2 Corinthians 3:16]]. The "taking away" of the veil is a pivotal event in an individual's spiritual journey, marking the transition from a veiled understanding of God's covenant to a clear vision revealed in Christ. This is not merely an intellectual shift but a spiritual transformation enabled by the Holy Spirit. Paul argues that the Old Covenant, while glorious, was temporary and obscured the full glory of God, which is now unveiled in Christ. The removal of the veil signifies:
1. **Spiritual Illumination**: The Spirit enables believers to see and understand the truth of the Gospel, which was previously hidden or misunderstood.
2. **Freedom from Legalism**: The veil symbolized the legalistic adherence to the Law without grasping its ultimate purpose or Christ as its fulfillment. Its removal brings freedom from this bondage.
3. **Direct Access to God**: Unlike the Old Covenant where only Moses could directly approach God's presence, the removal of the veil signifies that all who turn to the Lord now have direct, unhindered access to God through Christ.
4. **Transformation**: Seeing the unveiled glory of the Lord leads to being transformed into His image, from one degree of glory to another ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]]).
While the use in [[Acts 27:40]] is literal, it can metaphorically illustrate the necessity of removing impediments (like anchors) to move forward in God's will or to reach a desired destination. However, the spiritual depth of the term lies overwhelmingly in its application to the divine act of unveiling spiritual truth in the hearts of believers.
### Summary
G4014 periaireō signifies the complete and decisive act of "taking away all around" or "removing completely." Its literal use in [[Acts 27:40]] describes the physical removal of anchors for forward movement. More significantly, in [[2 Corinthians 3:16]], it denotes the spiritual act of God removing the "veil" of spiritual blindness from those who turn to the Lord. This spiritual "taking away" is central to Christian experience, signifying divine illumination, freedom from spiritual obscurity, and direct access to God's unveiled glory in Christ. The word underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in granting clear spiritual vision and leading believers into deeper communion with God.
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