### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **períkeimai**, represented by `{{G4029}}`, means to **lie all around** or to be encircled. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used both literally and figuratively to describe being inclosed, hampered, or bound with something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical contexts, `{{G4029}}` is used to convey several powerful images. It is used literally to describe a dire warning, where it would be better for a person to have a **millstone** `{{G3458}}` **hanged** about their neck and be cast into the **sea** `{{G2281}}` than to cause a little one to stumble ([[Luke 17:2]]; [[Mark 9:42]]). Figuratively, it describes the state of believers who are **compassed about** by a great **cloud** `{{G3509}}` of **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` [[Hebrews 12:1]]. It also depicts the high priest as being **compassed** with **infirmity** `{{G769}}` [[Hebrews 5:2]] and Paul as being **bound with** a **chain** `{{G254}}` for the hope of Israel [[Acts 28:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the circumstances of being encircled or hampered:
* `{{G2139}}` **euperístatos** (which doth so easily beset): This word describes something that thwarts a racer from every direction, and is used to characterize the **sin** `{{G266}}` that hampers a believer [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* `{{G769}}` **asthéneia** (infirmity): Meaning feebleness or frailty, this is the condition that **compassed** the high priest, allowing him to **have compassion** `{{G3356}}` on others [[Hebrews 5:2]].
* `{{G254}}` **hálysis** (chain): This word for a literal fetter or manacle specifies the object with which Paul was **bound** as he spoke about the **hope** `{{G1680}}` of **Israel** `{{G2474}}` [[Acts 28:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4029}}` is multifaceted, highlighting both burdens and blessings of being encircled.
* **Spiritual Hindrance:** The term describes the encumbrance of **sin** `{{G266}}`, a **weight** `{{G3591}}` which must be cast off so believers can **run** `{{G5143}}` the spiritual **race** `{{G73}}` with **patience** `{{G5281}}` [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* **A Foundation for Compassion:** Being **compassed** with **infirmity** `{{G769}}` is presented as the very reason a priest can **have compassion** `{{G3356}}` on the ignorant, because he himself is subject to frailty [[Hebrews 5:2]].
* **A Testimony in Restraint:** Paul reframes his physical confinement by stating he is **bound with** a **chain** `{{G254}}` for the **hope** `{{G1680}}` of **Israel** `{{G2474}}`, showing that being encircled can serve a higher purpose [[Acts 28:20]].
### Summary
In summary, **períkeimai** `{{G4029}}` conveys a condition of being surrounded or enclosed, with its meaning defined by the context. It can represent a deadly weight, like a millstone around the neck, or the spiritual hindrance of sin. Conversely, it can describe a state that produces empathy, like being compassed with infirmity, or a circumstance that serves as a powerful witness, like being bound for the gospel's sake.
TRV