The Greek word peridéō, represented by G4019, is a specific term meaning to bind around one, i.e. enwrap. It is formed from the words περί and δέω. According to biblical usage statistics, it is a very rare word, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The single occurrence of G4019 is in the account of Lazarus's resurrection. After Jesus G2424 calls him forth, the man who was dead G2348 emerges, bound G1210 hand G5495 and foot G4228 with graveclothes G2750. The scripture then adds a specific detail: "his face G3799 was bound about G4019 with a napkin G4676" John 11:44. This specific action of enwrapping the face underscores the totality of his burial state, from which Jesus G2424 immediately commands his release.
Several related words provide context to the act of binding and loosing:
- G1210 déō: This is the root verb, meaning to bind. It is used in the same verse to describe Lazarus being bound hand and foot John 11:44 and elsewhere refers to being "in bonds" figuratively Colossians 4:3.
- G3089 lýō: The direct opposite, meaning to loosen. This is the command Jesus G2424 gives immediately after Lazarus appears: "Loose him" John 11:44. It is also used theologically for destroying the works of the devil 1 John 3:8.
- G4676 soudárion: This is the napkin or sweat-cloth used to bind the face of a corpse. In the narrative, it is the object that was bound about G4019 the man's face John 11:44. A napkin is also mentioned as being laid up by itself in Jesus' tomb John 20:7.
The theological significance of G4019 is tied directly to its singular, powerful context:
- The Finality of Death: The act of the face being bound about G4019 with a napkin G4676 highlights the thoroughness of the burial customs and the finality of the man's condition as one who was dead G2348.
- Christ's Authority Over Bondage: The man coming forth still bound G1210 and enwrapped G4019 shows that resurrection power precedes physical release. The command from Jesus G2424 to "Loose him G3089, and let him go G5217" is a powerful depiction of liberation from the bonds of death John 11:44.
- Evidence of the Miracle: The visual of a man emerging fully wrapped for burial provides dramatic proof of the miracle. The napkin G4676 itself serves as a key detail, connecting this event to the evidence of Jesus' own resurrection, where the napkin from his head was found neatly wrapped in the empty tomb John 20:7.
In summary, while peridéō G4019 is used only once, its application is profound. The word serves to paint a vivid picture of the constraints of death, making the subsequent act of liberation by Jesus G2424 all the more powerful. It enriches the narrative of John 11:44, providing a specific detail that emphasizes the themes of bondage, miraculous power, and the freedom from death that Christ commands.
TRV