### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term περιοικέω (perioikéō, `{{G4039}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (peri, `{{G4014}}`), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb οἰκέω (oikéō, `{{G3611}}`), meaning "to dwell," "to inhabit," or "to reside." Etymologically, therefore, perioikéō signifies "to dwell around" or "to reside in the vicinity of." Its core semantic range extends from this literal spatial meaning to the more relational concept of being a "neighbor" or "one who lives nearby." The emphasis is on geographical proximity and the shared space of habitation. Unlike terms that might denote a specific type of dwelling or a social relationship, perioikéō primarily describes the physical location of a group of people in relation to another person or event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term περιοικέω (perioikéō, `{{G4039}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 1:65]]**: "And fear came on all that *dwelt round about them*: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea."
This singular occurrence is highly significant, appearing in the narrative surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. Following Zechariah's miraculous recovery of speech and his prophetic utterance (the Benedictus), the text states that "fear came on all that dwelt round about them." The "them" refers to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John. The verb perioikéō here describes the local inhabitants, those living in the immediate geographical area surrounding Zechariah's home in the hill country of Judaea.
The context reveals the profound impact of divine intervention on a specific community. The miraculous events—Zechariah's muteness and subsequent recovery of speech, coupled with his Spirit-inspired prophecy and the extraordinary circumstances of John's birth—were not private affairs. They directly affected and were witnessed by those "dwelling around." The resulting "fear" (φόβος, phobos, `{{G5401}}`) is not merely terror but a reverential awe, a recognition of divine power and presence. This awe led to the widespread dissemination of the news ("all these sayings were noised abroad"), indicating that the localized dwelling of these neighbors made them primary witnesses and conduits for the unfolding divine plan. The term thus underscores the localized, tangible nature of God's work, which first impacts those in immediate proximity before spreading more widely.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding περιοικέω (perioikéō, `{{G4039}}`) is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **οἰκέω (oikéō, `{{G3611}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to dwell" or "to inhabit." This highlights the fundamental act of residence.
* **περί (peri, `{{G4014}}`)**: The prefix, indicating "around" or "about." This emphasizes the spatial relationship of proximity.
* **πλησίον (plēsion, `{{G4139}}`)**: Meaning "near" or "neighbor." While perioikéō describes those who *dwell around*, plēsion often refers to the *person* who is a neighbor, frequently used in ethical contexts (e.g., "love your neighbor"). Perioikéō describes the *group* of people in a geographical sense, whereas plēsion focuses on the individual relationship.
* **οἰκία (oikia, `{{G3613}}`)** / **οἶκος (oikos, `{{G3624}}`)**: "House" or "household." These terms denote the specific dwelling place or the family unit inhabiting it, providing the context for where the "dwelling around" takes place.
* **φόβος (phobos, `{{G5401}}`)**: "Fear" or "awe." This is the immediate reaction of those who "dwelt round about" in [[Luke 1:65]], signifying their recognition of the divine hand in the events.
* **Community and Witness**: The concept of a local community bearing witness to divine acts is central. Perioikéō highlights the initial circle of those impacted by God's works.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of περιοικέω (perioikéō, `{{G4039}}`) in [[Luke 1:65]] carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates how God's redemptive plan, while universal in scope, often begins with localized, tangible manifestations that impact specific communities.
1. **Immediacy of Divine Action**: The "dwelling around" emphasizes that God's work is not abstract or distant but breaks into human history within specific geographical and social contexts. The miraculous events surrounding John's birth were not hidden but occurred in a way that directly affected and was observable by the immediate neighbors.
2. **Community as Witness**: Those who "dwelt round about" became the first witnesses to the extraordinary signs pointing to the advent of the Messiah. Their fear and subsequent spreading of the news underscore their role in the initial dissemination of the good news. This highlights the importance of local communities in perceiving and testifying to God's presence and power.
3. **Preparation for the Gospel**: The awe and widespread discussion generated by these events among the "perioikéō" served as a divine preparation for the ministry of John the Baptist and, subsequently, Jesus. It created an atmosphere of expectation and wonder, setting the stage for the greater revelation to come.
4. **Authenticity of Revelation**: The public nature of these events, witnessed by those "dwelling around," lends credibility to the narrative. It suggests that God's acts are not merely subjective experiences but objective realities that impact real people in real places.
### Summary
The Greek word περιοικέω (perioikéō, `{{G4039}}`), meaning "to dwell around" or "to be a neighbor," is a compound term formed from περί (peri, "around") and οἰκέω (oikéō, "to dwell"). Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 1:65]], its usage is profoundly significant. In the context of John the Baptist's birth, it describes the local inhabitants who witnessed the miraculous events surrounding Zechariah and Elizabeth. These "dwellers round about" were gripped by reverential fear and subsequently spread the news throughout the region. The term thus highlights the immediate, localized impact of divine intervention, underscoring the role of specific communities as initial witnesses to God's unfolding redemptive plan. It signifies that God's work is tangible, observable, and begins in specific places, preparing the way for broader revelation.
TRV