### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4035 (περιλείπω, *perileípō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition περί (*peri*), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb λείπω (*leípō*), meaning "to leave" or "to leave behind." Etymologically, it suggests the idea of "leaving around" or "being left all around." In its passive voice, which is how it appears in the New Testament, the core meaning shifts to "to be left over," "to survive," or "to remain." The nuance imparted by περί is that of being left *out of* or *from among* a larger group, thus emphasizing the concept of survival or preservation. It denotes a state of continuing to exist when others do not, or are no longer present.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4035 (περιλείπω) appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians. Its limited usage, however, does not diminish its profound theological significance within its specific context.
1. **[[1 Thessalonians 4:15]]**: "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and **remain** until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep."
2. **[[1 Thessalonians 4:17]]**: "Then we who are alive and **remain** will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
In both verses, G4035 refers to those believers who are still physically alive at the time of the Lord's Parousia (His coming). The immediate context of 1 Thessalonians 4 is Paul's instruction and comfort to the Thessalonian believers concerning the resurrection of the dead and the return of Christ. They were apparently concerned about the fate of those who had died before Christ's return, fearing they might miss out on the eschatological blessings. Paul assures them that those who have "fallen asleep" (a euphemism for death) in Christ will be resurrected first, and then those who are "alive and remain" will be caught up together with them. The word G4035 thus highlights a distinct group—those who survive until that specific eschatological event—without implying any superiority or special status over those who have died. It simply describes their temporal state at the moment of Christ's return.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "remaining" or "surviving" is present in various forms throughout the biblical text, often conveying ideas of preservation, remnant, or endurance.
* **λείπω (leípō, `{{G3007}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to leave," "to lack," or "to fail." G4035 is a specific compound form of this verb.
* **καταλείπω (kataleípō, `{{G2640}}`)**: "To leave behind," "to abandon," or "to leave remaining." This word is often used in the sense of a remnant being left (e.g., [[Romans 11:4]]).
* **ὑπολείπω (hypoleípō, `{{G5277}}`)**: "To leave remaining," "to survive." This word is semantically very close to G4035 and also carries the nuance of a remnant. It appears in the Septuagint for the Hebrew concept of a "remnant" (e.g., `{{H7611}}` שְׁאָר, *she'ar*).
* **ὑπομένω (hypoménō, `{{G5259}}`)**: While often translated "to remain" or "to endure," this word carries a stronger connotation of patient perseverance under trial, rather than simply physical survival.
* **Remnant Theology**: The concept of a "remnant" is deeply significant in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, terms like `{{H7611}}` (שְׁאָר, *she'ar*) and `{{H3499}}` (יֶתֶר, *yether*) describe a small group preserved by God through judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 10:20-22]], [[Romans 9:27]]). While G4035 itself does not directly refer to the theological "remnant" in the sense of a chosen few who maintain faithfulness, its usage in 1 Thessalonians still points to a group that is divinely preserved until a specific eschatological moment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4035 (περιλείπω) is primarily tied to eschatology and the hope of the church:
1. **Assurance of the Parousia**: The very existence of a group who "remain" presupposes the certainty of Christ's return. Paul uses this term to ground the Thessalonians' hope in a future, definite event.
2. **Unity in Christ's Return**: The phrase "we who are alive and remain" (οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι) is juxtaposed with "those who have fallen asleep" (τοὺς κοιμηθέντας). The key theological point is that both groups—the living and the dead in Christ—will equally participate in the glorious event of the Lord's coming. There is no disadvantage for those who have died; indeed, they are resurrected first. This provides immense comfort and underscores the unity of the body of Christ across the boundary of death.
3. **Divine Timing and Preservation**: The fact that some will "remain" suggests a divine orchestration of time, where a generation of believers will be alive at the Lord's return. It implicitly speaks to God's sovereign plan that encompasses both life and death for His people, bringing them all into His presence.
4. **Hope, Not Fear**: Paul's use of G4035 is not to instill fear or anxiety about being "left behind" (a common modern misinterpretation), but rather to offer comfort and clarity regarding the sequence of events at the Parousia. The "remaining" are simply those who experience the transformation without first experiencing death.
### Summary
G4035 (περιλείπω) is a Greek verb meaning "to be left over," "to survive," or "to remain." Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, both instances in 1 Thessalonians 4, its usage is critically important for understanding Pauline eschatology. It specifically designates those believers who are still physically alive at the moment of Christ's return, distinguishing them from those who have died in Christ. The theological significance of G4035 lies in its contribution to the assurance of the Parousia, the unity of believers (living and dead) in Christ's final triumph, and the divine preservation of His people until that day. It serves as a word of comfort, affirming that all believers, regardless of their state at the time of the Lord's coming, will partake in the glorious hope of meeting Him.
TRV