### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peripíptō**, represented by `{{G4045}}`, means to **fall into something that is all around, i.e. light among or upon, be surrounded with**. It is derived from the words περί and πίπτω. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in scripture, conveying a sense of being suddenly enveloped or caught within a particular circumstance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{G4045}}` in the Bible illustrate its meaning in distinct contexts. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, a certain man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho **fell among** thieves `{{G3027}}`, who stripped and wounded him [[Luke 10:30]]. In the book of Acts, the ship carrying Paul was caught in a storm, **falling into** a place where two seas met `{{G1337}}` and running aground [[Acts 27:41]]. The term is also used in a spiritual sense, where believers are instructed to count it all joy when they **fall** into divers temptations `{{G3986}}` [[James 1:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the circumstances surrounding the act of falling into something:
* `{{G3986}}` **peirasmós** (a putting to proof; by implication, adversity): This word is the object that believers **fall** into in [[James 1:2]], defining the event as a spiritual trial or temptation.
* `{{G3027}}` **lēistḗs** (a brigand): This identifies the hostile agents that the man in Jesus's parable **fell among**, highlighting the danger and violence of the situation [[Luke 10:30]].
* `{{G1337}}` **dithálassos** (having two seas, i.e. a sound with a double outlet): This describes the specific, perilous geographic feature that the ship in Acts **fell into**, leading to its destruction [[Acts 27:41]].
* `{{G761}}` **asáleutos** (unshaken, i.e. (by implication) immovable): This describes the state of the ship's forepart after it **fell into** the sandbar and became stuck fast and unmoveable [[Acts 27:41]].
### Theological Significance
The concept conveyed by `{{G4045}}` carries significant weight, depicting scenarios where individuals are suddenly and completely encompassed by their surroundings.
* **Hostile Encounters:** The word is used to describe an unexpected and violent event, where a person is suddenly surrounded by robbers, leading to harm and loss [[Luke 10:30]].
* **Overwhelming Physical Peril:** It portrays being caught in an inescapable physical situation, such as a ship being trapped in a treacherous location and broken by the violence `{{G970}}` of the waves `{{G2949}}` [[Acts 27:41]].
* **Spiritual Adversity:** The term is applied figuratively to the experience of a believer being encompassed by various trials. In this context, the focus shifts to the response, which is to **count it** `{{G2233}}` all **joy** `{{G5479}}` [[James 1:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4045}}` describes more than a simple fall; it signifies being enveloped or entrapped by a situation. Whether it is a man falling into the hands of thieves, a ship being caught in a dangerous channel, or a believer being surrounded by trials, the word captures a sense of being beset by sudden and encompassing circumstances. It illustrates how one can be caught within physical danger, human hostility, or spiritual testing.
TRV