### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **periérchomai**, represented by `{{G4022}}`, is defined as to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, or veer, and is translated as "fetch a compass," "vagabond," and "wandering about." It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses. The term signifies movement that can range from a literal journey to an aimless or persecuted roaming.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4022}}` describes various forms of movement. In a nautical context, it denotes a literal change of course, as when the ship Paul was on "**fetched a compass**" to arrive at Rhegium [[Acts 28:13]]. The word is also used to describe itinerant individuals, such as the "**vagabond**" Jewish exorcists who traveled while practicing their craft [[Acts 19:13]]. It can carry a negative connotation of idleness, seen in the warning against those who learn to be idle by "**wandering about** from house to house" [[1 Timothy 5:13]]. Conversely, it portrays the suffering of the faithful, who "**wandered about**" in sheepskins and goatskins while being destitute and afflicted [[Hebrews 11:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and implications of `{{G4022}}`:
* `{{G1845}}` **exorkistḗs** (one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e. (by implication) an "exorcist" (conjurer)): This term is used to identify the "vagabond" Jews who were wandering practitioners of exorcism [[Acts 19:13]].
* `{{G692}}` **argós** (inactive, i.e. unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless): This word for "idle" is presented as a precursor to "wandering about from house to house," linking the behavior to a lack of productive activity [[1 Timothy 5:13]].
* `{{G4021}}` **períergos** (working all around, i.e. officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic)): This is used to characterize those who are "wandering about" as "busybodies," connecting their aimless movement to meddlesome behavior [[1 Timothy 5:13]].
* `{{G2346}}` **thlíbō** (to crowd (literally or figuratively)): This word, translated as "afflicted," describes the condition of the faithful who "wandered about," linking their movement to hardship and persecution [[Hebrews 11:37]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{G4022}}` lies in its portrayal of movement as a reflection of an internal or external state.
* **Wandering as a Consequence of Idleness:** In [[1 Timothy 5:13]], "wandering about" is depicted as a negative outcome of being idle, leading to unproductive and harmful social behaviors such as becoming tattlers and busybodies. It signifies a life lacking purpose.
* **Wandering as a Mark of Persecution:** In contrast, [[Hebrews 11:37]] uses "wandered about" to describe the righteous who were forced into a nomadic existence due to persecution. Their wandering is a testament to their faith and endurance while being destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
* **Vagrancy and an Unsettled Existence:** The term "vagabond" in [[Acts 19:13]] characterizes the itinerant Jewish exorcists. This highlights a life without a fixed base, which in this context is associated with those who attempt to use the name of Jesus without true authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4022}}` **periérchomai** is a versatile word for movement that extends beyond simple travel. It can describe a literal, practical action like a ship "fetching a compass" [[Acts 28:13]]. However, its significance deepens when applied to people, where it can denote the negative state of idle "vagabonds" [[Acts 19:13]] and busybodies [[1 Timothy 5:13]], or the profound suffering of the faithful who "wandered about" as a result of persecution [[Hebrews 11:37]]. The word illustrates how the nature of a journey—whether aimless, forced by affliction, or merely functional—defines its ultimate meaning.
TRV