middle voice from περί and ποιέω; to make around oneself, i.e. acquire (buy):--purchase.
Transliteration:peripoiéomai
Pronunciation:per-ee-poy-eh'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4046}}` (peripoiéomai) is a compound word formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "concerning," and the verb ποιέω (poieō), meaning "to make" or "to do." The use of the middle voice is crucial here, indicating an action performed by the subject for their own benefit or on themselves. Thus, the literal sense of "to make around oneself" or "to do for oneself" naturally evolves into the meaning of "to acquire for oneself," "to gain," or "to purchase." The core semantic range encompasses the idea of securing something for one's own possession, often implying an active effort or cost involved in the acquisition. It denotes the act of bringing something into one's own sphere of ownership or benefit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G4046}}` appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering profound theological insight:
1. **[[Acts 20:28]]**: "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He **purchased** with His own blood."
* In this solemn charge to the Ephesian elders, the subject of the verb is God (or Christ, as the context strongly implies the divine Son). The object of this acquisition is "the church of God." The means of this acquisition is profoundly significant: "with His own blood." This verse underscores the immense, sacrificial cost of the church's redemption. The term `{{G4046}}` here emphasizes God's deliberate, costly act of acquiring the church as His own, establishing His unique ownership and the immeasurable value He places upon His people. The elders are called to shepherd a flock that is not their own, but God's, acquired at the highest possible price.
2. **[[1 Timothy 3:13]]**: "For those who have served well as deacons **obtain** for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
* Here, the deacons are the subjects performing the action of `{{G4046}}`. The objects acquired are "a good standing" (βαθμὸν καλὸν) and "great boldness" (πολλὴν παρρησίαν) in the faith. This acquisition is not through monetary purchase but through faithful service ("having served well," καλῶς διακονήσαντες). The verb here conveys the idea of gaining, securing, or earning a commendable position and confidence as a result of diligent and upright ministry. It speaks to the spiritual recompense or consequence of faithful stewardship, where diligent service leads to an honorable reputation and freedom of speech within the community of faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G4046}}` includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G4060}}` (peripoiēsis): This is the noun form derived directly from `{{G4046}}`, meaning "acquisition," "possession," or "preservation." It frequently appears in contexts referring to God's people as His "purchased possession" or "people for His own possession" (e.g., [[Ephesians 1:14]], [[1 Peter 2:9]]). This noun powerfully reinforces the concept of divine ownership and the special status of believers as those whom God has acquired for Himself.
* `{{G2933}}` (ktaomai): Meaning "to acquire" or "to possess," this verb shares a similar core meaning of gaining ownership. While `{{G4046}}` often implies a specific act of purchase or securing for one's own benefit, `{{G2933}}` is a more general term for acquisition.
* `{{G3084}}` (lytron) and `{{G3083}}` (lytroō): These terms relate to "ransom" and "to redeem," highlighting the concept of a price paid for liberation. While `{{G4046}}` focuses on the act of acquiring ownership, lytroō emphasizes the liberation from bondage through payment, which is the underlying mechanism for God's "purchase" of the church.
* **Redemption and Atonement**: These theological concepts are intrinsically linked to the "purchase" of the church by Christ's blood, underscoring the sacrificial means by which God acquired His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4046}}` is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Ownership and Value**: In [[Acts 20:28]], the verb `{{G4046}}` unequivocally establishes God's absolute ownership of the church. The language of "purchase" signifies a deliberate, costly, and rightful claim. The price paid—"His own blood"—elevates the church's value beyond human comprehension, revealing the depth of divine love and commitment. This truth forms the bedrock of the church's identity and mission, reminding believers that they are not their own, but belong to God.
2. **Sacrificial Atonement**: The phrase "with His own blood" in [[Acts 20:28]] directly links the concept of divine acquisition to the atoning work of Christ on the cross. It underscores that salvation and membership in God's church are not earned but are gifts secured through Christ's vicarious sacrifice, a transaction of infinite cost and eternal benefit.
3. **Reward for Faithful Service**: In [[1 Timothy 3:13]], `{{G4046}}` illustrates a principle of spiritual recompense. Faithful service in God's kingdom is not without its rewards. The "good standing" and "great boldness" acquired by deacons are not merely human accolades but divine acknowledgments and empowerments for further ministry. This encourages diligence, integrity, and perseverance in Christian service, knowing that such efforts yield tangible spiritual benefits.
4. **Stewardship and Accountability**: For church leaders, the understanding that the flock is "purchased" by God's blood (as in [[Acts 20:28]]) instills a profound sense of responsibility and accountability. They are not proprietors but stewards of God's precious possession, called to shepherd with utmost care and devotion.
### Summary
`{{G4046}}` (peripoiéomai) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to acquire for oneself" or "to purchase." Its two New Testament occurrences reveal critical theological truths. In [[Acts 20:28]], it powerfully conveys God's costly and absolute acquisition of the church through the sacrifice of Christ's own blood, establishing divine ownership and the church's immeasurable value. In [[1 Timothy 3:13]], it describes the spiritual gain and honorable standing that faithful deacons acquire through diligent service. Together, these uses underscore the dual themes of God's sovereign and sacrificial initiative in redemption, and the principle of spiritual reward for human faithfulness, profoundly shaping our understanding of the church, divine love, and Christian service.
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