The Greek word perioikéō, represented by G4039, is defined as to reside around, i.e. be a neighbor. It is formed from the words περί and οἰκέω. This term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, highlighting its specific application.
The sole use of perioikéō is found in Luke 1:65, where it describes the reaction to the miraculous events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. After Zacharias's speech was restored, the scripture states that fear came on all that dwelt round about them. These neighbors served as the immediate witnesses to God's work, and the account of these events was subsequently noised abroad G1255 throughout the entire region.
The theological weight of perioikéō is concentrated in its single appearance, where it highlights several key ideas:
- Communal Witness: The word underscores that divine acts are not done in a vacuum. The neighbors who dwelt round about G4039 became the first communal witnesses, and their response of fear G5401 validates the supernatural significance of the event Luke 1:65.
- The Spread of Proclamation: The presence of these neighbors is the starting point for the news spreading. The event's impact moves from the immediate family to those who reside around, and then throughout all G3650 the hill country of Judaea G2449.
- Reverence for the Divine: The fear G5401 that fell upon all G3956 the neighbors establishes a tone of awe. It is presented as the proper response to a clear move of God, setting the stage for the significant ministries of both John the Baptist and Jesus.
In summary, perioikéō is a specific term identifying the neighbors who first experienced the impact of John the Baptist's miraculous birth. Though appearing only once, its context in Luke 1:65 is significant. It demonstrates how a divine act can immediately affect a local community, sparking a response of fear G5401 and causing the sayings G4487 about God's work to be noised abroad G1255.
