from περί and μένω; to stay around, i.e. await:--wait for.
Transliteration:periménō
Pronunciation:per-ee-men'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb περιμένω (periménō, `{{G4037}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (peri, "around, concerning") and the verb μένω (menō, "to remain, abide, stay"). The base definition, "to stay around, i.e., await," reveals a nuanced meaning beyond simple waiting. The prefix περί intensifies or specifies the action of μένω, suggesting a focused, expectant, or circumscribed waiting. It implies not merely passive endurance but an active, purposeful remaining in a particular place or state *for* something specific. This waiting is often characterized by anticipation and readiness for a promised event or person. The semantic range thus points to a diligent, attentive, and often obedient waiting for a divinely appointed moment or gift.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb περιμένω (periménō, `{{G4037}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant.
* **[[Acts 1:4]]**: "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for (περιμένω) the Promise of the Father, which, He said, 'you have heard from Me.'"
* In this pivotal passage, Jesus, shortly before His ascension, issues a direct command to His disciples. They are not to leave Jerusalem but are to "wait for" (περιμένω) the "Promise of the Father," explicitly identified as the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 1:5]], [[Acts 1:8]]). The command to "wait for" is not a suggestion but an imperative, underscoring the necessity of this period of anticipation. The disciples' waiting was to be active and obedient, a focused remaining in Jerusalem until the promised divine empowerment arrived. This command highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the disciples' future ministry and the very foundation of the early church. Their waiting was not a time of idleness but a period of prayer and unity ([[Acts 1:14]]), preparing them for the outpouring of power from on high ([[Luke 24:49]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding περιμένω (periménō, `{{G4037}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms for waiting and related theological concepts:
* **μένω (menō `{{G3306}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to abide, remain, stay." Periménō builds upon this by adding the dimension of waiting *for* something specific and often with a sense of being "around" or focused.
* **προσδοκάω (prosdokaō `{{G4328}}`)**: "To wait for, expect." This word often carries a sense of looking forward to future events, sometimes with anxiety, sometimes with hope. While related, περιμένω emphasizes the act of remaining in place while awaiting, whereas προσδοκάω focuses more on the expectation itself.
* **ἀναμένω (anamenō `{{G379}}`)**: "To wait for, await." Similar in meaning to περιμένω, but the prefix ἀνα (ana) can imply "up" or "again," suggesting a waiting that looks upwards or is sustained. Periménō's περί (peri) might imply a more localized or circumscribed waiting.
* **ὑπομένω (hypomenō `{{G5278}}`)**: "To endure, persevere, wait patiently." This term often implies steadfastness under trial or adversity, a patient endurance. While waiting for the Spirit required patience, περιμένω emphasizes the active anticipation rather than mere endurance.
* **The Promise of the Father**: This key concept, directly linked to περιμένω in [[Acts 1:4]], refers specifically to the Holy Spirit, whose coming was prophesied by Jesus and Old Testament prophets. The waiting was for the fulfillment of this divine promise.
* **Empowerment**: The purpose of the waiting was to receive "power" (δύναμις, dynamis) from on high ([[Luke 24:49]], [[Acts 1:8]]), essential for the disciples to be effective witnesses.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of περιμένω (periménō, `{{G4037}}`) in [[Acts 1:4]] carries profound theological weight:
1. **Divine Command and Obedience**: Jesus' instruction to "wait for" the Promise was a direct command, underscoring the necessity of obedience to divine directives. The disciples' faithful adherence to this command was a prerequisite for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This highlights that God's blessings often follow human obedience and patient waiting for His appointed time.
2. **Anticipation of the Holy Spirit**: The waiting was not for an abstract concept but for the person of the Holy Spirit, the "Promise of the Father." This emphasizes the centrality of the Spirit's role in the life of believers and the mission of the Church. It underscores that spiritual power and effectiveness do not come from human effort alone but from divine indwelling and empowerment.
3. **Preparation for Ministry**: The period of waiting served as a time of spiritual preparation for the disciples. As they gathered in prayer and unity ([[Acts 1:14]]), they were being readied for the monumental task of proclaiming the Gospel to the world. This illustrates that periods of waiting in God's plan are often seasons of spiritual formation and equipping.
4. **Divine Timing**: The command to wait implicitly teaches about God's perfect timing. The Holy Spirit would come when God willed, not when the disciples felt ready or impatient. This instills trust in divine providence and patience in the face of uncertainty.
5. **Foundation of the Church**: This period of waiting immediately preceded the Day of Pentecost, often considered the birth of the Church. The waiting for the Spirit was therefore foundational to the Church's existence and its Spirit-empowered mission. It signifies that the Church is not a human institution but a divine organism animated by the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek word περιμένω (periménō, `{{G4037}}`), meaning "to wait for" or "to stay around and await," appears only once in the New Testament but holds immense theological significance. In [[Acts 1:4]], Jesus commands His disciples to "wait for" the Promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, in Jerusalem. This command signifies an obedient, focused, and expectant waiting, not a passive idleness. The disciples' diligent waiting was a crucial period of preparation and anticipation for the divine empowerment necessary for their mission. It underscores the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the Church, the importance of divine timing, and the necessity of obedience to God's commands as a prerequisite for receiving His promised blessings. The waiting for the Spirit was foundational to the birth and ongoing mission of the Spirit-empowered Church.
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