from περιέχω; a being held around, i.e. (concretely) a passage (of Scripture, as circumscribed):--place.
Transliteration:periochḗ
Pronunciation:per-ee-okh-ay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun periochḗ (`{{G4042}}`) is derived from the verb periechō (`{{G4041}}`), which signifies "to hold around," "to encompass," "to contain," or "to surround." Consequently, periochḗ inherently conveys the sense of "a holding around," "a circumscribing," or "that which is contained within a boundary." In its specialized New Testament usage, it concretely refers to a specific "passage" or "section" of Scripture. This definition highlights the idea of a distinct portion of text that is "circumscribed" or "set apart" from the larger body of writing, much like a defined "place" within a scroll or book. Its semantic range is thus narrow, focusing on the textual and spatial demarcation of sacred writ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word periochḗ (`{{G4042}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 8:32]]. The context is pivotal:
> "Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this: 'He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opens not His mouth. In His humiliation His judgment was taken away; And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.'"
Here, periochḗ clearly designates the specific section of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 53:7-8) that the Ethiopian eunuch was reading aloud from his scroll. This "passage" is not merely a random text but a divinely appointed locus for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, is led to this precise "place" in the Scripture to explain its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The singular occurrence of periochḗ underscores its precise function: to identify a particular, circumscribed portion of the written Word that serves as the immediate subject of discussion and interpretation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb periechō (`{{G4041}}`), from which periochḗ is formed. Periechō itself carries meanings such as "to encompass," "to contain," "to seize," or "to be astonished," depending on its context. In relation to Scripture, periochḗ can be conceptually linked to other terms describing parts of the written Word, such as graphē (`{{G1124}}`), meaning "writing" or "scripture" in general, or biblion (`{{G976}}`), referring to a "scroll" or "book." However, periochḗ is more specific than these, pointing to a distinct *section* within the larger scriptural body. It implies a segment of text that is isolated for particular attention, much like a "pericope" in modern biblical studies. The idea is not just any text, but a delimited "place" of text.
### Theological Significance
While periochḗ itself is a descriptive rather than a theologically rich term, its singular appearance in [[Acts 8:32]] carries profound theological implications. The "passage" of Scripture identified by this word becomes the very point of contact between divine revelation and human understanding, leading to salvation. It highlights several key theological truths:
1. **The Sufficiency of Scripture:** The "passage" from Isaiah was sufficient, when explained, to lead the eunuch to faith in Christ.
2. **The Clarity of Scripture:** Though the eunuch needed help understanding, the "place" of Scripture was clear enough to prompt his initial inquiry and provide the foundation for Philip's evangelism.
3. **The Spirit's Guidance in Interpretation:** The Holy Spirit orchestrated the encounter, leading Philip to the specific "passage" the eunuch was reading, demonstrating divine intentionality in how and when God's Word is understood.
4. **The Centrality of Christ in Scripture:** The "passage" itself, being Messianic prophecy, underscores that all Scripture ultimately points to Jesus Christ. The "place" where the eunuch was reading was precisely the "place" where the Gospel could be most effectively proclaimed. The very "place" of Scripture is where God's saving truth resides.
### Summary
Periochḗ (`{{G4042}}`) is a rare but precise Greek noun meaning "a circumscribed passage" or "a defined section" of Scripture. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 8:32]] refers to the specific "place" in the book of Isaiah that the Ethiopian eunuch was reading. This singular usage underscores the word's function in identifying a particular textual segment. Theologically, this "passage" serves as a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's role in guiding individuals to the precise "place" in God's Word where Christ is revealed, demonstrating the Word's power to illuminate, convict, and save. It emphasizes that God's truth is found not in vague generalities, but in specific, divinely appointed "places" within the sacred text.
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