### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peripoíēsis**, represented by `{{G4047}}`, refers to an **acquisition** or **preservation**. Its base definition includes the act of acquiring something or the thing that is acquired. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses** and is translated in various ways, including as purchased, possession, obtaining, and saving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4047}}` conveys the idea of something being specially acquired or set apart by God. It describes believers as God's "**peculiar** people" [[1 Peter 2:9]], emphasizing their status as a treasured possession. This concept is further clarified in [[Ephesians 1:14]], which speaks of the redemption of the "**purchased possession**." The term also describes the act of receiving a divine promise, such as when believers are appointed to "**obtain** salvation" [[1 Thessalonians 5:9]] or called to the "**obtaining** of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" [[2 Thessalonians 2:14]]. Finally, it highlights the theme of preservation, as believers are those who have faith for the "**saving** of the soul," in contrast to those who draw back to perdition [[Hebrews 10:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G4047}}`:
* `{{G4991}}` **sōtēría** (rescue or safety): This is the ultimate goal that believers "**obtain**" `{{G4047}}`, as seen in God's appointment of them to salvation instead of wrath [[1 Thessalonians 5:9]].
* `{{G629}}` **apolýtrōsis** (ransom in full): This is the means by which believers become God's "purchased **possession**" `{{G4047}}`, linking their status as a possession to the act of redemption [[Ephesians 1:14]].
* `{{G2992}}` **laós** (a people): This identifies *who* God's treasured acquisition is. Believers are not just individuals but are collectively a "**peculiar** `{{G4047}}` **people**" [[1 Peter 2:9]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion... faith): This is the means by which preservation is realized. It is through faith that one comes to the "**saving**" `{{G4047}}` of the soul [[Hebrews 10:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4047}}` is centered on the believer's new identity and destiny in Christ.
* **Divine Ownership:** The term establishes that believers belong to God. They are His "**purchased possession**," acquired through the full payment of **redemption** `{{G629}}` [[Ephesians 1:14]]. This status as a "**peculiar** people" [[1 Peter 2:9]] marks them as holy and set apart for Him.
* **A divinely appointed goal:** Believers are destined for acquisition, not destruction. God has **appointed** `{{G5087}}` them to "**obtain** salvation" [[1 Thessalonians 5:9]] and to share in the **glory** `{{G1391}}` of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[2 Thessalonians 2:14]].
* **Preservation through faith:** The word contrasts believers with those who "**draw back** `{{G5289}}` unto **perdition** `{{G684}}`." Instead, they are defined by a **faith** `{{G4102}}` that results in the ultimate "**saving** `{{G4047}}` of the **soul** `{{G5590}}`" [[Hebrews 10:39]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4047}}` is a multifaceted term that defines the status, purpose, and destiny of believers. It shows that they are a people acquired by God for His own possession, destined to obtain salvation and glory. This acquisition is not temporary but is a preservation of the soul, secured through faith in what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ.
TRV