### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G4038 périx (πέριξ) is derived from the preposition περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`), which signifies "around," "about," or "concerning." As an adverb, périx carries the primary meaning of "all around," "round about," or "circumjacent." It denotes a spatial relationship, indicating that something is surrounded or encompassed on all sides. The term emphasizes a comprehensive encirclement or proximity, describing an area that is immediately adjacent to or forms a perimeter around a central point. Its semantic range is thus confined to spatial description, highlighting the encompassing nature of a location or a group of objects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4038 périx appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 28:7]]. In this passage, Luke records the events following Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta: "In the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days." The Greek phrase is ἐν δὲ τοῖς περὶ τὸν τόπον ἐκεῖνον ὑπῆρχεν χωρία, which literally translates to "in the lands *round about* that place."
The context reveals that Paul and his companions, having survived the shipwreck, found themselves in a specific location. The lands of Publius, the island's leading figure, were situated "all around" or "in the vicinity" of their landing site. This geographical detail is significant as it immediately connects the shipwrecked group with a person of influence who could provide crucial assistance and hospitality. The use of périx here serves to precisely locate Publius's property in relation to the main narrative, emphasizing the immediate surroundings as the setting for divine provision and the commencement of ministry on the island. It highlights the providential arrangement that brought Paul into contact with a key individual in the very "neighborhood" where they landed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to G4038 périx is its root, the preposition περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`), which is ubiquitous in the New Testament and carries a broad semantic range, including spatial "around," relational "concerning," and temporal "about."
Other conceptually related terms that describe surrounding areas or inhabitants include:
* περίχωρος (perichōros, `{{G4066}}`): This is a noun meaning "the surrounding region" or "neighborhood." It is frequently used in the Gospels to describe the area around a specific city or body of water (e.g., the region around the Jordan, [[Matthew 3:5]]).
* περίοικος (perioikos, `{{G4027}}`): An adjective or noun meaning "dwelling around," hence "a neighbor" or "those who live in the vicinity." An example is found in [[Luke 1:58]], where it refers to Elizabeth's "neighbors."
These terms, while distinct in their grammatical function, share the core semantic idea of proximity, encirclement, or a defined surrounding area. They collectively form a lexical field that describes geographical and social adjacency in the biblical text.
### Theological Significance
While G4038 périx is primarily a descriptive spatial adverb and does not carry overt theological weight in itself, its singular occurrence within the narrative of [[Acts 28:7]] subtly underscores several theological themes.
Firstly, it speaks to the meticulous detail of divine providence. Even in the chaos of a shipwreck, God's hand guides Paul to a specific location where, "in the lands round about," a key figure like Publius is positioned to offer aid. This highlights that no event, however catastrophic, is outside the scope of God's sovereign plan. The "circumjacent" lands become the initial sphere of God's activity through Paul, demonstrating how God prepares the ground for His purposes even in unexpected places.
Secondly, the concept of "round about" can be seen as a microcosm of God's pervasive presence and comprehensive reach. Just as Publius's lands encompassed the landing site, so God's presence and authority encompass all circumstances and geographies. While not explicitly stated, the linguistic description of being "all around" points to a God who is not confined to specific sacred spaces but is active in the ordinary, even accidental, locations of human experience.
Finally, the context of [[Acts 28:7]] immediately leads to the healing of Publius's father and subsequently many others on the island ([[Acts 28:8-9]]). Thus, the "lands round about" become the initial stage for the demonstration of divine power and the spread of the gospel, illustrating how God uses even the most dire circumstances to open doors for ministry, encompassing new regions with His saving message.
### Summary
G4038 périx is a Greek adverb signifying "all around" or "round about," derived from περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`). Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Acts 28:7]], where it describes the lands of Publius as being "in the neighborhood" or "surrounding" the location of Paul's shipwreck on Malta. This term serves to precisely define a spatial relationship, emphasizing the immediate vicinity. While not inherently theological, its usage in Acts subtly points to God's meticulous providence, guiding Paul to a specific "circumjacent" area where divine provision and opportunities for ministry would unfold. It underscores the comprehensive reach of God's plan, encompassing all locations and circumstances for the advancement of His kingdom. Related words like περίχωρος (perichōros, `{{G4066}}`) and περίοικος (perioikos, `{{G4027}}`) further illustrate the biblical lexicon for describing spatial proximity and surrounding regions.
TRV