### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4039}}` 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.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the verse provide context for the environment and the community's reaction:
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos**: This word, meaning **alarm or fright**, describes the fear that came upon the neighbors as a direct response to the divine event they witnessed [[Luke 1:65]].
* `{{G1255}}` **dialaléō**: Defined as to **talk throughout a company**, this explains the result of the neighbors' experience, as the story was **noised abroad** [[Luke 1:65]].
* `{{G3714}}` **oreinós**: Meaning **mountainous**, this word specifies the geographical setting as the **hill country** of Judaea, defining the area where the neighbors lived and the news spread [[Luke 1:65]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4039}}` 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.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4039}}` 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}}`.
TRV