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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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