from περί and κυκλόω; to encircle all around, i.e. blockade completely:--compass round.
Transliteration:perikyklóō
Pronunciation:per-ee-koo-klo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb περικυκλόω (perikyklóō) `{{G4033}}` is a compound word formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb κυκλόω (kykloō), meaning "to encircle" or "to surround." The prefix περί intensifies the action of the base verb, conveying a sense of complete or exhaustive encirclement. Its core meaning is to "encircle all around," "surround completely," or "blockade entirely." This implies a state of being hemmed in from every direction, with no possibility of escape. The English translation "compass round" effectively captures this comprehensive and inescapable surrounding. The term inherently suggests a strategic action, often with military implications, leading to the isolation and potential capture of the encircled entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb περικυκλόω (perikyklóō) `{{G4033}}` appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 19:43]]: "For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you and περικυκλόω you and hem you in on every side."
In this singular occurrence, Jesus is prophesying the future destruction of Jerusalem. The context is a solemn pronouncement of judgment upon the city for its rejection of Him as the Messiah and its failure to recognize "the time of your visitation" ([[Luke 19:44]]). The use of περικυκλόω here describes the military siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies, which historically occurred in A.D. 70. The verb is used in conjunction with "build an embankment around you" (χαρακόω, charakoō `{{G5482}}`) and "hem you in on every side" (συνέχω, synechō `{{G4912}}`), forming a powerful triplet that emphasizes the utter completeness and severity of the impending encirclement. This triple emphasis underscores the inescapable nature of the coming judgment, highlighting the city's isolation and the inevitability of its fall. The active voice of the verb indicates the deliberate and strategic action of the enemies.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κυκλόω (kykloō) `{{G2944}}`**: This is the base verb from which περικυκλόω is formed, meaning "to encircle" or "to surround." While κυκλόω can imply a general surrounding, περικυκλόω specifically denotes a complete and comprehensive encirclement, often with a hostile intent. An example of κυκλόω is found in [[John 10:24]], where the Jews "surrounded" Jesus.
* **περί (peri) `{{G4012}}`**: The preposition περί itself signifies "around" or "about," and its use as a prefix in περικυκλόω strengthens the sense of being encompassed on all sides.
* **συνέχω (synechō) `{{G4912}}`**: This verb, used in parallel with περικυκλόω in [[Luke 19:43]], means "to hold together," "to confine," or "to distress." Its inclusion further emphasizes the concept of being pressed in, constrained, and without room to maneuver.
* **χαρακόω (charakoō) `{{G5482}}`**: Also found in [[Luke 19:43]], this verb means "to fortify with a palisade" or "to build an embankment." It describes the physical means by which the comprehensive encirclement of περικυκλόω is achieved, creating an impenetrable barrier.
* **Military Terminology**: περικυκλόω belongs to a semantic field associated with warfare, sieges, and strategic maneuvers. Concepts such as "blockade," "siege," "encampment," and "fortification" are closely related, all pointing to the act of isolating an enemy or target.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of περικυκλόω in [[Luke 19:43]] carries profound theological implications. It is part of Jesus' lament over Jerusalem and His direct prophecy of its destruction, serving as a stark warning of divine judgment.
* **Inevitable Judgment**: The complete encirclement described by περικυκλόω symbolizes the inescapable nature of God's judgment when a people have persistently rejected His grace and peace. It underscores that the consequences of unfaithfulness are comprehensive and unavoidable.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: Jesus' precise prediction of the city being "compassed round" by enemies, fulfilled by the Roman siege, demonstrates His divine foresight and the certainty of His prophetic words. It validates His authority as the Son of God.
* **Consequences of Rejection**: The physical act of περικυκλόω becomes a vivid metaphor for the spiritual state of Jerusalem, isolated and condemned due to its rejection of the Messiah. It highlights the severe outcomes of missed opportunities for repentance and the ultimate accountability before God.
* **Divine Sovereignty**: While human agents (the Roman army) carry out the encirclement, the prophecy indicates that these events are ultimately under God's sovereign control, serving His purposes of judgment and justice.
### Summary
The Greek verb περικυκλόω (perikyklóō) `{{G4033}}` precisely denotes a complete and comprehensive encirclement, derived from περί (around) and κυκλόω (to encircle). Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 19:43]] is highly significant, where Jesus prophesies the Roman siege of Jerusalem. In this context, περικυκλόω emphasizes the utter totality and inescapability of the impending judgment, with enemies building embankments and "compassing round" the city, leaving no avenue of escape. The term functions within a military semantic field, highlighting a deliberate and effective blockade. Theologically, περικυκλόω powerfully illustrates the certainty of divine judgment, the precise fulfillment of prophecy, and the dire consequences of rejecting God's call to peace and repentance. It serves as a vivid symbol of being utterly hemmed in by the consequences of one's actions before a just and sovereign God.
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