### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word περίοικος (períoikos, `{{G4040}}`) is a compound term derived from the preposition περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`), meaning "around" or "about," and the noun οἶκος (oikos, `{{G3624}}`), meaning "house" or "dwelling." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "housed around" or "dwelling nearby." As defined, it is used elliptically as a noun to signify a "neighbor," specifically one who resides in close proximity or the immediate vicinity. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, focusing on geographical nearness and the communal relationship that arises from shared living space.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term περίοικος (períoikos, `{{G4040}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 1:58]]**: "And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her."
In this solitary instance, περίοικος refers to the "neighbors" of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. The context is the joyous occasion of John's birth, where the surrounding community, both immediate neighbors and kinsfolk, come to witness and celebrate God's gracious intervention on Elizabeth's behalf. The use of περίοικος here underscores the communal nature of ancient life, where significant events within a household were not private but were observed, acknowledged, and often celebrated by those living nearby. It highlights the social fabric in which divine acts were made manifest and publicly affirmed.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate περίοικος (períoikos, `{{G4040}}`), it is helpful to consider its constituent parts and related terms:
* **περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`)**: The preposition "around" or "about," which contributes the spatial aspect of proximity.
* **οἶκος (oikos, `{{G3624}}`)**: The noun "house," "household," or "dwelling," which grounds the concept in the physical place of residence.
* **πλησίον (plēsion, `{{G4139}}`)**: This is the more common and broader Greek term for "neighbor" in the New Testament. Unlike περίοικος, which emphasizes geographical proximity, πλησίον often carries ethical and moral implications, particularly in the context of the commandment to "love your neighbor" (e.g., [[Matthew 22:39]], [[Luke 10:27]], [[Romans 13:9]]). While a περίοικος is by definition a πλησίον (one who is near), not every πλησίον is necessarily a περίοικος. The former is specifically about residential closeness, while the latter can refer to anyone with whom one interacts or has a moral obligation, regardless of immediate dwelling.
### Theological Significance
Though its singular occurrence limits extensive theological development, the presence of περίοικος (períoikos, `{{G4040}}`) in [[Luke 1:58]] is not without significance. It serves to emphasize the communal aspect of God's work and blessing. The neighbors, as immediate witnesses, are integral to the narrative of God's mercy shown to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Their rejoicing validates and amplifies the divine act, demonstrating that God's intervention is not always a private affair but can have public, communal ramifications. This points to the relational nature of faith and the visible impact of divine favor within a community. It subtly reinforces the idea that the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, even in its initial stages, is observable and elicits a response from those in the immediate sphere of influence. It grounds the miraculous in the tangible reality of human relationships and shared experience.
### Summary
περίοικος (períoikos, `{{G4040}}`) is a Greek term meaning "housed around" or "dwelling nearby," used substantively to refer to a "neighbor" in the sense of one who lives in close physical proximity. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 1:58]] highlights the communal witnessing and rejoicing over God's mercy in the birth of John the Baptist. While distinct from the broader ethical concept of "neighbor" (`{{G4139}}`), περίοικος underscores the importance of the immediate social environment in observing and responding to God's actions. It serves to root the divine narrative in the tangible reality of human relationships and shared communal life, where God's blessings are seen and celebrated by those within one's community.
TRV