### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb περιέχω (periéchō, `{{G4023}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (perí, `{{G4012}}`), meaning "around" or "concerning," and the verb ἔχω (echō, `{{G2192}}`), meaning "to have" or "to hold." This etymological foundation provides the core semantic range of the word: "to hold all around," "to encircle," "to encompass."
From this literal sense, περιέχω extends to several figurative meanings:
1. **To contain or include:** To hold something within boundaries, or to comprise a certain scope.
2. **To grasp or seize:** To take hold of something, often with the implication of control or strong influence.
3. **To overwhelm or engulf:** Particularly in the passive or middle voice, to be "held around" by a strong emotion, fear, or astonishment, implying that the emotion completely encompasses the person.
4. **To surround or besiege:** In a military context, to form a circle around an enemy or a city.
The nuances in translation reflect these various applications, from physical containment to emotional engulfment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
περιέχω (`{{G4023}}`) appears in the New Testament in contexts that vividly illustrate its semantic range:
* **Luke 5:26:** "And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, 'We have seen extraordinary things today.'" [[Luke 5:26]] Here, περιέχω is used figuratively to describe how "amazement" (ἔκστασις) completely "seized" or "overwhelmed" the observers of Jesus's miracle. The astonishment was so profound that it encompassed their entire being, leaving them in awe and fear. This highlights the power of divine revelation to profoundly impact human perception and emotion.
* **Luke 19:43:** "For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will build an embankment around you and enclose you and hem you in on every side." [[Luke 19:43]] In this prophetic lament over Jerusalem, Jesus uses περιέχω in its literal, military sense. The enemies would "surround" or "hem in" the city, illustrating a complete and inescapable siege. This usage underscores the theme of divine judgment and the physical consequences of rejecting God's visitation.
* **Acts 28:3:** "Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, but a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand." [[Acts 28:3]] Here, περιέχω describes the viper "fastening itself" or "clinging to" Paul's hand. This is a clear instance of physical "holding around" or "clasping." The context of Paul's shipwreck and subsequent divine protection from the viper highlights God's sovereign power even in perilous circumstances.
These occurrences demonstrate περιέχω's versatility, moving from the overwhelming grasp of emotion to the literal encirclement of a city and the physical clinging of a creature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of περιέχω (`{{G4023}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἔχω (echō, `{{G2192}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to have, hold, possess." περιέχω builds upon this by adding the dimension of encompassing or surrounding.
* **περί (perí, `{{G4012}}`):** The prefix, meaning "around, about, concerning." Its presence signifies the encircling or encompassing aspect of περιέχω.
* **κρατέω (krateō, `{{G2902}}`):** To grasp, seize, hold fast. While κρατέω often implies a firm grip or mastery, περιέχω emphasizes the act of surrounding or encompassing.
* **κυκλόω (kykloō, `{{G2944}}`):** To encircle, surround. This verb is a close synonym to περιέχω in its military or physical surrounding sense (e.g., [[Luke 19:43]]).
* **συγκλείω (sygkleiō, `{{G4788}}`):** To shut up together, to enclose. This term also conveys a sense of containment or confinement, often with a negative connotation of being trapped.
* **χωρέω (chōreō, `{{G5562}}`):** To make room for, to contain, to go forth. While it can mean "to contain," its primary emphasis is on space or capacity, whereas περιέχω emphasizes the act of holding *around*.
The concepts associated with περιέχω include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ability to orchestrate events, whether causing astonishment or permitting siege.
* **Human Response:** The overwhelming nature of awe, fear, or judgment.
* **Physical Enclosure:** The act of surrounding, whether by enemies or by natural phenomena.
* **Providence:** God's protective care, even in the face of danger.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of περιέχω (`{{G4023}}`) lies in its portrayal of forces that can utterly encompass or control.
1. **The Overwhelming Power of God's Works:** In [[Luke 5:26]], the "amazement" that "seized" the people highlights the profound and inescapable impact of encountering divine power. It suggests that God's actions are not merely observed but are so potent that they envelop and transform human understanding and emotion. This points to the transcendent nature of God, whose presence can overwhelm human faculties.
2. **The Inescapability of Divine Judgment:** The prophecy in [[Luke 19:43]] regarding Jerusalem's encirclement by enemies serves as a stark warning of judgment. The word περιέχω here emphasizes the completeness and inevitability of the siege, signifying that when God's judgment comes, it is comprehensive and inescapable. It illustrates the principle that rejection of God's grace leads to a state of being "hemmed in" by consequences.
3. **God's Protective Providence Amidst Danger:** The viper "fastening itself" on Paul's hand in [[Acts 28:3]] presents a moment of extreme physical danger. Yet, the narrative continues to show God's protection. The word περιέχω here underscores the immediate threat and the physical reality of the viper's grip, making Paul's subsequent unharmed state a clear demonstration of divine intervention and providential care. Even when evil "clings" or "surrounds," God's power can nullify its effect.
In essence, περιέχω often signifies a state of being completely surrounded or grasped, whether by awe, judgment, or physical peril. It underscores the comprehensive nature of these experiences and, by extension, the comprehensive power of God who orchestrates or permits them, and who ultimately holds all things.
### Summary
περιέχω (periéchō, `{{G4023}}`) is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to hold all around," "to encompass," or "to contain." Formed from περί (`{{G4012}}`, "around") and ἔχω (`{{G2192}}`, "to hold"), it describes both literal and figurative encirclement. In the New Testament, it is used to depict: (1) the overwhelming effect of divine power and miracle, as "amazement seized" observers ([[Luke 5:26]]); (2) the literal and inescapable "surrounding" of a city by enemies, signifying divine judgment ([[Luke 19:43]]); and (3) the physical "clinging" or "fastening" of a creature, highlighting immediate danger and subsequent divine protection ([[Acts 28:3]]). Theologically, περιέχω emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's power, judgment, and providence, illustrating how various forces can completely encompass situations or individuals, yet ultimately remain under divine sovereignty.
TRV