from περί and βλέπω; to look all around:--look (round) about (on).
Transliteration:periblépō
Pronunciation:per-ee-blep'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb periblépō (`{{G4017}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition perí (περί), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb blépō (`{{G991}}`), meaning "to look" or "to see." Therefore, its core meaning is "to look all around," "to survey one's surroundings," or "to look about oneself." This implies a comprehensive, sweeping gaze, rather than a focused stare at a single point. The semantic range extends to include looking with a purpose, such as searching, observing, assessing a situation, or discerning the state of a group of people. It suggests an active, deliberate engagement with one's immediate environment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Periblépō (`{{G4017}}`) appears seven times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospel of Mark, with one instance in Luke. Its usage consistently describes a purposeful and often significant gaze, primarily by Jesus:
* **[[Mark 3:5]]**: "And looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'" Here, Jesus's periblépō is charged with intense emotion – anger at their spiritual obstinacy and sorrow for their condition. It's a comprehensive look that encompasses the entire group of hostile observers, preceding a miraculous act and a challenging statement.
* **[[Mark 3:34]]**: "And looking around at those who sat around him, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers!'" Jesus's gaze here is one of recognition and redefinition, identifying His true spiritual family among those who were physically present and listening to His teaching. It underscores a profound theological point about belonging to God's family through obedience.
* **[[Mark 5:32]]**: "And he looked around to see who had done it." In the account of the woman with the hemorrhage, Jesus's periblépō is a searching look, seeking to identify the one who had drawn power from Him. It's an active search for connection and acknowledgment.
* **[[Mark 9:8]]**: "And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus alone." Following the Transfiguration, this describes the disciples' bewildered gaze as they come back to a normal state, finding themselves alone with Jesus. Their periblépō signifies a moment of returning perception and singular focus on Christ.
* **[[Mark 10:23]]**: "And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!'" This look precedes a weighty teaching about the dangers of riches, indicating Jesus's observation of His disciples' reaction or His assessment of their understanding in light of the rich young man's departure.
* **[[Mark 11:11]]**: "And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve." Jesus's periblépō in the temple is an act of comprehensive assessment and discernment. It's a silent survey of the corruption and misuse of God's house, preceding His cleansing of the temple the following day.
* **[[Luke 6:10]]**: "And looking around at them all, he said to him, 'Stretch out your hand.' And he did so, and his hand was restored." Similar to [[Mark 3:5]], Jesus's periblépō here is a deliberate, all-encompassing gaze directed at those who were watching Him, challenging their legalism before performing a healing on the Sabbath.
Across these contexts, periblépō consistently denotes a significant, deliberate, and often emotionally laden act of observation by Jesus, setting the stage for a crucial word, action, or revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Periblépō (`{{G4017}}`) is part of a family of Greek verbs derived from blépō (`{{G991}}`), each adding a unique nuance through its prefix:
* **Blépō (`{{G991}}`):** The base word, meaning "to see," "to look," "to perceive." Periblépō specifies *how* one looks – "around."
* **Anablépō (`{{G308}}`):** "To look up," or "to regain sight."
* **Emblépō (`{{G1689}}`):** "To look intently at," "to gaze fixedly upon." While periblépō is a sweeping gaze, emblépō is a focused, penetrating look at a specific object or person, often conveying deep insight or recognition (e.g., Jesus looking at Peter in [[Luke 22:61]] or the rich young man in [[Mark 10:21]]).
* **Horáō (`{{G3708}}`):** A more general term for "to see," often implying perception or understanding beyond mere physical sight.
* **Theáomai (`{{G2300}}`):** "To behold," "to gaze upon with wonder or contemplation."
Concepts related to periblépō include observation, discernment, assessment, comprehensive understanding, and purposeful searching. It is a verb that highlights the active and intentional nature of seeing.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of periblépō (`{{G4017}}`) to describe Jesus's actions carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Discernment and Awareness:** Jesus's "looking around" is never casual. It often indicates His divine awareness, His ability to see beyond the surface, to discern the hearts and intentions of those around Him ([[Mark 3:5]], [[Luke 6:10]]). It speaks to His omniscience and profound understanding of human nature.
* **Emotional Engagement:** The instances where Jesus's periblépō is linked with emotions (e.g., anger and sorrow in [[Mark 3:5]]) reveal His true humanity and His deep compassion for humanity's spiritual plight, even when confronted with hostility. His gaze is not detached but deeply invested.
* **Preparation for Action and Teaching:** This comprehensive gaze often precedes a significant act of healing, a challenging teaching, or a redefinition of relationships. It suggests that Jesus's actions were not impulsive but were rooted in a thorough understanding and assessment of the situation and the people involved ([[Mark 11:11]]).
* **Inclusivity and Identification:** In passages like [[Mark 3:34]], Jesus's periblépō serves to identify and affirm those who are truly His, defining the boundaries of His spiritual family not by blood but by obedience to God's will.
* **The Authority of Christ:** The very act of Jesus "looking around" asserts His authority and presence. It commands attention and signifies that His observation is meaningful and consequential.
### Summary
Periblépō (`{{G4017}}`) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to look all around" or "to survey one's surroundings." Its usage in the New Testament, primarily describing Jesus's actions, denotes a purposeful, comprehensive, and often emotionally charged gaze. This "looking around" is consistently portrayed as an act of divine discernment, revealing Jesus's deep understanding of human hearts and situations. It often precedes His miraculous works, profound teachings, or significant redefinitions, underscoring His authority, emotional engagement, and meticulous preparation for action. Thus, periblépō highlights the profound and intentional nature of Christ's interaction with the world and those within it.
TRV