from περί and ἔρχομαι (including its alternate); to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, veer:--fetch a compass, vagabond, wandering about.
Transliteration:periérchomai
Pronunciation:per-ee-er'-khom-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4022 περιέρχομαι (periérchomai) is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`, meaning "to come" or "to go." Etymologically, it signifies "to come around" or "to go about."
Its semantic range extends from a literal description of physical movement to more figurative applications. In its most basic sense, it denotes movement that encompasses or circumvents an area, often implying a circuitous or indirect route, or simply moving from place to place. Depending on the context, this movement can be neutral (e.g., sailing around a point) or carry negative connotations, suggesting aimlessness, lack of purpose, vacillation, or even an undesirable itinerancy. The range of meaning includes "to fetch a compass" (to go around), "to wander about," and "to be a vagabond."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term περιέρχομαι appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual nuances:
1. **[[Acts 19:13]]**: "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus..." Here, περιερχομένων is translated as "vagabond" or "itinerant." It describes a group of Jewish exorcists who traveled from place to place without a fixed abode or established ministry. In this context, the term carries a somewhat pejorative sense, implying a lack of genuine authority or spiritual grounding, as their attempts at exorcism proved ineffectual without true faith in Jesus. Their "wandering about" highlights their superficiality and lack of divine commission, contrasting sharply with the purposeful, Spirit-led movements of the apostles.
2. **[[Acts 28:13]]**: "And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium..." In this nautical context, περιελθόντες is translated as "fetched a compass" or "sailed around." It describes a specific navigational maneuver where a ship takes a circuitous route or goes around a headland to reach its destination. This usage is purely descriptive and neutral, indicating a practical and necessary action in sailing. It demonstrates the word's capacity to describe a physical circuit without any negative moral or spiritual implications.
3. **[[1 Timothy 5:13]]**: "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." Here, περιερχόμεναι describes the undesirable behavior of younger widows who become idle and "wander about from house to house." This "wandering" is not purposeful visitation but rather aimless itinerancy that leads to gossip (φλύαροι - phlyaroi) `{{G5397}}` and meddling (περίεργοι - periergoi) `{{G4021}}`. The context strongly condemns this behavior, linking it to idleness and a lack of proper discipline. It highlights how aimless movement can become a conduit for sin and disruption within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of περιέρχομαι is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek words and biblical concepts:
* **ἔρχομαι `{{G2064}}` (erchomai)**: The base verb for "to come" or "to go," emphasizing simple movement. περιέρχομαι specifies the *manner* of coming/going (around, about).
* **περί `{{G4012}}` (peri)**: The preposition "around," which provides the core spatial orientation.
* **πλανάω `{{G4105}}` (planaō)**: "To lead astray," "to wander," often with the connotation of error or deception. While περιέρχομαι can describe physical wandering, πλανάω more often implies spiritual deviation or being lost.
* **ἀστατέω `{{G792}}` (astateō)**: "To be unsettled," "to be homeless," or "to be a vagrant." This word emphasizes the lack of a fixed dwelling, similar to the "vagabond" sense of περιέρχομαι in [[Acts 19:13]].
* **περιπατέω `{{G4043}}` (peripateō)**: "To walk around," often used metaphorically for one's conduct or manner of life (e.g., "walking in the Spirit"). While περιπατέω can describe purposeful conduct, περιέρχομαι in its negative uses often implies a *lack* of purposeful conduct.
* **ἀργός `{{G692}}` (argos)**: "Idle," "lazy," "unemployed." This adjective is directly linked to the negative "wandering about" in [[1 Timothy 5:13]], highlighting the consequence of idleness.
* **περίεργος `{{G4021}}` (periergos)**: "Busybody," "meddler." This noun, related to περιέρχομαι in its "going about" sense, describes the negative outcome of aimless wandering in [[1 Timothy 5:13]].
Conceptually, περιέρχομαι stands in contrast to the biblical emphasis on a purposeful "walk" or "way" (ὁδός) `{{G3598}}` in the Lord, highlighting instances where movement is aimless, unproductive, or even detrimental.
### Theological Significance
While περιέρχομαι is not a word with inherent profound theological weight, its usage in the New Testament carries significant ethical and practical implications for Christian living.
1. **Purposeful Living vs. Aimlessness**: The negative uses of περιέρχομαι (in [[Acts 19:13]] and [[1 Timothy 5:13]]) underscore the biblical call to a life of purpose and intentionality. Believers are called to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:1]]), to be diligent in good works (e.g., [[Titus 3:8]]), and to redeem the time (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:16]]). Aimless "wandering about" or living as a "vagabond" can signify a lack of divine direction, spiritual rootlessness, or an abdication of responsibility. The "vagabond" exorcists demonstrate a lack of true spiritual authority, relying on superficial imitation rather than genuine power derived from a settled relationship with God.
2. **Stewardship of Time and Conduct**: The condemnation of "idle, wandering about" in [[1 Timothy 5:13]] highlights the importance of how believers utilize their time and conduct themselves within the community. Idleness is portrayed not merely as an absence of activity, but as a fertile ground for sin—specifically gossip and meddling. This teaches that even seemingly innocuous aimless movement can lead to behaviors that undermine Christian witness and community harmony. It emphasizes the need for discipline, productive engagement, and responsible use of one's time and energy.
3. **Authenticity and Authority**: The context of the "vagabond Jews" in [[Acts 19:13]] indirectly speaks to the source of spiritual authority. Their wandering and lack of genuine power contrast with the apostles' rootedness in Christ and the demonstrable power of the Holy Spirit. True spiritual authority does not come from itinerancy or outward imitation, but from an authentic relationship with God and a Spirit-empowered mission.
### Summary
G4022 περιέρχομαι (periérchomai) literally means "to come around" or "to go about." Its usage in the New Testament spans both neutral, descriptive contexts (e.g., sailing maneuvers in [[Acts 28:13]]) and contexts carrying negative ethical or spiritual connotations. In the latter, it describes aimless or unproductive wandering, whether of "vagabond" exorcists lacking true authority ([[Acts 19:13]]) or of idle individuals whose aimless movement leads to gossip and meddling ([[1 Timothy 5:13]]). The word thus serves as a subtle yet significant indicator of purposeful living versus spiritual or ethical aimlessness. It underscores the biblical emphasis on intentionality, diligence, and responsible conduct within the life of faith, contrasting a disciplined "walk" with a detrimental "wandering about."
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