### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term περίεργος (períergos, `{{G4021}}`) is a compound word derived from περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and ἔργον (ergon), meaning "work" or "deed." Literally, it signifies "working all around" or "busying oneself about." This literal sense, however, quickly developed a negative connotation in common usage. Rather than denoting commendable diligence, it came to describe someone who is "over-industrious" in an inappropriate way, "meddlesome," "officious," or "prying." In its neuter plural form (τὰ περίεργα), it specifically refers to "curious arts," "magic," or "sorcery," implying activities that involve dabbling in forbidden knowledge or illicit spiritual practices. The semantic range thus extends from intrusive social behavior to engagement with the occult.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term περίεργος appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its negative semantic range:
1. **[[1 Timothy 5:13]]**: "And besides that, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies (περίεργοι), speaking things which they ought not." Here, περίεργοι is used in its personal sense, referring to "busybodies" or "meddlers." The context is Paul's instruction regarding younger widows in the church. He warns against a lifestyle of idleness (ἀργός, `{{G692}}`) that leads to wandering, gossiping (φλύαρος, `{{G5397}}`), and intruding into the affairs of others. This form of "busyness" is destructive to community harmony and violates the principle of minding one's own affairs. It contrasts sharply with the expectation for believers to be diligent in good works.
2. **[[Acts 19:19]]**: "Many of them also which used curious arts (τὰ περίεργα) brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver." In this passage, the neuter plural τὰ περίεργα refers to "curious arts," specifically practices associated with magic, sorcery, divination, or occult rituals. The context is the powerful impact of the Gospel in Ephesus, a city renowned for its magical practices and the temple of Artemis. The public burning of these expensive books signifies a decisive and radical repentance from involvement in the dark arts, recognizing them as fundamentally opposed to the truth and power of Christ. This usage underscores the term's connection to forbidden, often demonic, spiritual activities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of περίεργος naturally brings forth several related lexical and conceptual fields:
* **Idleness and Misdirected Effort**: The root ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`) means "work," and its negation ἀργός (argos, `{{G692}}`, "idle," "unemployed") is directly linked in [[1 Timothy 5:13]]. The concept contrasts purposeful, constructive work with disruptive, unproductive "busyness."
* **Gossip and Tattling**: φλύαρος (phlyaros, `{{G5397}}`, "tattler," "babbler") is paired with περίεργος in [[1 Timothy 5:13]], highlighting the close relationship between meddling and destructive speech.
* **Order and Disorder**: The meddlesome nature of περίεργος individuals contributes to disorder within the community, contrasting with the divine character of order ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]).
* **Occult Practices**: In the context of τὰ περίεργα, related terms include φαρμακεία (pharmakeia, `{{G5331}}`, "sorcery," "witchcraft"), μαγεία (mageia, `{{G3095}}`, "magic"), and practices associated with δαιμόνιον (daimonion, `{{G1140}}`, "demon"). This category stands in stark opposition to the legitimate exercise of spiritual gifts and reliance on God's power.
* **Discernment**: The term implicitly calls for discernment between what is edifying and what is destructive, between divine truth and human or demonic deception.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of περίεργος is multifaceted, touching upon personal conduct, community health, and spiritual purity.
Firstly, in its sense of "busybody," the word underscores the importance of **responsible living and respect for boundaries** within the Christian community. Idleness, when coupled with a meddlesome spirit, becomes a vehicle for gossip and disruption, undermining the unity and peace of the church. Believers are called to be diligent in their own affairs and in good works, not to intrude into the private lives of others ([[1 Thessalonians 4:11]]). This reflects God's call to order and constructive engagement rather than chaotic interference.
Secondly, in its reference to "curious arts," περίεργος highlights the absolute **repudiation of all forms of occultism and magic** within the Christian faith. These practices represent attempts to gain knowledge or power through means other than God's revealed will, often involving demonic influence. The burning of the books in Ephesus serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which demands a complete severance from all such illicit spiritual engagements. It affirms the unique and supreme authority of Christ over all powers, visible and invisible, and calls believers to rely solely on His divine power and wisdom.
Ultimately, περίεργος serves as a cautionary word against misdirected human energy: either squandered in unproductive, disruptive social interference or dangerously invested in forbidden spiritual realms. It calls for believers to live lives characterized by purpose, purity, and devotion to God, channeling their "work" (ἔργον) into channels that glorify Him and build up His kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word περίεργος (períergos, `{{G4021}}`) describes a negative form of "busyness." Its core meaning, derived from "working around," develops into two primary semantic fields in the New Testament:
1. **Meddlesome Interference**: In [[1 Timothy 5:13]], it refers to "busybodies" who, due to idleness, engage in disruptive gossip and intrude into the affairs of others. This highlights the importance of personal responsibility, order, and respectful boundaries within the Christian community.
2. **Forbidden Arts**: In [[Acts 19:19]], in its neuter plural form τὰ περίεργα, it denotes "curious arts," specifically magic, sorcery, and occult practices. This usage underscores the radical incompatibility of such illicit spiritual activities with the Christian faith and the necessity of complete repentance from them.
The word περίεργος thus serves as a dual warning against misdirected energy: whether it manifests as social disruption through gossip and meddling, or as spiritual compromise through involvement in the dark arts. It calls believers to live lives of purposeful diligence and unwavering devotion to God, shunning all forms of ungodly "work."
TRV