from περί and the base of πέραν; to penetrate entirely, i.e. transfix (figuratively):--pierce through.
Transliteration:peripeírō
Pronunciation:per-ee-pi'-ro
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
* **Lemma:** περιπείρω (peripeírō)
* **Strong's Number:** `{{G4044}}`
* **Etymology:** This compound verb is formed from the Greek preposition περί (peri), meaning "around, about, concerning," and the base of πέραν (peran), which relates to "across, beyond," or, in this context, to pierce or transfix.
* **Core Meaning:** The combination of these elements yields a potent meaning: "to penetrate entirely," "to pierce through and through," or "to transfix." The prefix περί intensifies the action, suggesting a complete, encompassing, or thorough penetration, not merely a superficial wound.
* **Semantic Range:** While its etymological roots point to a literal physical action of piercing, its sole biblical occurrence employs it in a profoundly figurative sense. It describes a deep, pervasive, and self-inflicted emotional or spiritual agony, akin to being impaled or utterly transfixed by an overwhelming burden of suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek word περιπείρω (peripeírō) appears only once in the New Testament, making its single usage particularly significant for understanding its meaning and theological weight.
* **[[1 Timothy 6:10]]**: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some, in their eagerness to get rich, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
In this pivotal passage, Paul issues a stern warning regarding the peril of covetousness. He describes individuals who, driven by an intense desire for wealth, have "wandered away from the faith" (ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως). The consequence of this spiritual apostasy is vividly depicted by the verb περιπείρω used reflexively: they have "pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (ἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς).
The reflexive pronoun "themselves" (ἑαυτοὺς) is crucial, emphasizing that the suffering described is not an external imposition but a direct, self-inflicted outcome of their own choices and actions. Their pursuit of riches leads them to become the agents of their own profound anguish. The use of περιπείρω here conveys an image of deep, pervasive, and inescapable suffering. It is not a superficial injury but a comprehensive, soul-penetrating agony, as if they have impaled themselves upon a multitude of griefs. The accompanying noun "sorrows" (ὀδύναις – *odynais*, `{{G3601}}`) denotes intense pain, often physical, but here applied to the severe emotional and spiritual distress that accompanies a life alienated from God by the love of money. The verb thus powerfully illustrates the devastating and all-encompassing consequences of avarice.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὀδύνη (odynē - `{{G3601}}`):** This noun, meaning "pain, anguish, sorrow," is directly linked to περιπείρω in [[1 Timothy 6:10]]. It describes the nature of the suffering experienced by those who are "pierced through," highlighting the intensity and depth of their distress.
* **ἀποπλανάω (apoplanaō - `{{G603}}`):** Meaning "to wander away, to go astray," this verb describes the spiritual deviation that precedes the self-inflicted suffering in [[1 Timothy 6:10]]. It underscores the active choice to depart from the true faith.
* **φιλαργυρία (philargyria - `{{G5365}}`):** "Love of money, avarice." This noun identifies the root cause of the spiritual wandering and subsequent piercing in [[1 Timothy 6:10]]. It is the fundamental sin from which "all kinds of evil" spring.
* **πείρω (peirō):** While not a distinct Strong's number in the New Testament, this is the underlying root verb for "to pierce." The addition of the prefix περί (peri) to this root intensifies and completes the action, emphasizing the thoroughness of the penetration.
* **Metaphorical Language of Suffering:** The imagery of περιπείρω aligns with other biblical metaphors for profound internal suffering, such as being "cut to the heart" (e.g., [[Acts 7:54]]) or experiencing "pangs" (e.g., [[Matthew 24:8]]). However, περιπείρω uniquely stresses the self-inflicted and transfixing nature of the pain.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet striking, appearance of περιπείρω in [[1 Timothy 6:10]] carries immense theological significance, serving as a potent warning against the spiritual dangers of covetousness.
1. **The Destructive Nature of Idolatry:** The passage identifies "the love of money" as a "root of all kinds of evil." This is not a condemnation of wealth itself, but of the heart's idolatrous attachment to it. When money becomes the ultimate object of desire, it displaces God, leading to spiritual apostasy ("wandered away from the faith"). The severity conveyed by περιπείρω underscores that such idolatry does not result in minor discomfort but in profound, pervasive, and self-inflicted anguish. The "many sorrows" are the inevitable, bitter fruit of a heart consumed by worldly gain.
2. **Human Agency and Responsibility:** The reflexive construction, "pierced *themselves* through," powerfully highlights human responsibility for the consequences of sin. The suffering is not an arbitrary divine punishment but the natural, painful outcome of choices made in defiance of God's wisdom. Those who prioritize material acquisition above all else ultimately become the architects of their own deep distress, impaled by the very desires they chased. This emphasizes the internal, existential damage wrought by sin.
3. **Holistic and Pervasive Suffering:** The imagery of being "pierced through" suggests damage that is not superficial but penetrates to the very core of one's being. It implies a comprehensive suffering—emotional, psychological, and spiritual—that pervades the individual. This starkly contrasts with the fleeting allurements of wealth, revealing the ultimate emptiness and profound pain inherent in a life misaligned with divine purpose.
4. **Pastoral Exhortation:** For Paul, instructing Timothy, this word functions as a critical pastoral warning to both leaders and the entire Christian community. It serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual shipwreck that occurs when the heart is ensnared by worldly desires. It underscores the vital importance of godliness with contentment (αὐτάρκεια - `{{G841}}`) as the antidote to such destructive passions. The strong, almost visceral imagery of περιπείρω is designed to shock and deter, impressing upon the reader the severe and inescapable consequences of avarice.
### Summary
The Greek word περιπείρω (peripeírō, `{{G4044}}`), derived from περί (peri) and a root signifying "to pierce," conveys the strong sense of a complete and thorough penetration—a "piercing through and through" or "transfixing." Its singular, yet impactful, appearance in the New Testament is found in [[1 Timothy 6:10]]. Here, Paul employs it figuratively to warn that those who, out of an idolatrous "love of money," "wander away from the faith" ultimately "pierce themselves through with many sorrows." The reflexive nature of the verb is crucial, emphasizing that this profound, pervasive, and agonizing suffering is self-inflicted, a direct and inevitable consequence of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual integrity. Thus, περιπείρω serves as a potent theological warning, vividly illustrating the deep, comprehensive, and inescapable pain that results from the destructive power of covetousness.
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