περιπείρω

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word peripeírō, represented by G4044, means to penetrate entirely or to transfix. It is used figuratively in scripture with the meaning to pierce through. This specific term appears 2 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible, making its single appearance highly significant.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its sole biblical context, G4044 is used to create a powerful figurative image of self-inflicted harm. The passage warns that the love of money is a root of evil and that those who covet it have strayed from the faith. This deviation results in them having pierced themselves through with many sorrows, illustrating a deep, personal, and painful consequence of their actions 1 Timothy 6:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words from its context in 1 Timothy 6:10 help to clarify the meaning of G4044:

• G5365 philargyría (love of money): Defined as avarice, this is presented as the motivation that leads to the spiritual injury described. It is called the root of all evil in its only scriptural appearance 1 Timothy 6:10.
• G635 apoplanáō (err, seduce): Meaning to lead astray or stray from the truth. This action of having erred from the faith is the direct precursor to being pierced through with sorrows 1 Timothy 6:10.
• G3601 odýnē (sorrow): This word for grief is the direct result of the action of G4044. The "piercing" is not without consequence, as it brings about "many sorrows" 1 Timothy 6:10.
• G4102 pístis (faith): This is what is abandoned by those who covet money. The act of erring from the faith leads to the state of being pierced through 1 Timothy 6:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4044 is concentrated in its vivid depiction of sin's consequences.

• The Danger of Avarice: The word powerfully illustrates the end result of the love of money G5365. This desire is shown to be the root G4491 of all kinds of evil G2556, culminating in a deep, self-inflicted wound 1 Timothy 6:10.
• Departure from Faith: The act of being "pierced through" is directly connected to having erred G635 from the faith G4102. This shows that abandoning faith for worldly gain leads to profound spiritual harm.
• Self-Inflicted Suffering: The phrasing "pierced themselves through" underscores that the resulting sorrows G3601 are a direct, personal consequence of an individual's choices, rather than an external punishment.

Summary

In summary, G4044 is a rare but impactful word. While appearing in only one verse, it provides a stark and unforgettable image of spiritual self-destruction. It serves as a solemn warning, graphically connecting the love of money to the act of straying from the faith and the inevitable, painful sorrows that result from that choice.