### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun peripoíēsis (G4047) derives from the verb περιποιέομαι (peripoieomai, `{{G4046}}`), which means "to make to remain around," "to preserve," or "to acquire for oneself." Consequently, peripoíēsis carries a dual semantic range:
1. **Acquisition:** It refers to the act of acquiring something, or the thing that has been acquired. This implies an active effort to gain possession.
2. **Preservation:** By extension, it denotes the keeping, maintaining, or safeguarding of something once it has been acquired. This aspect emphasizes security and lasting possession.
The base definition provided highlights this duality: "acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation." The various English translations, such as "obtain(-ing)," "peculiar," "purchased," "possession," and "saving," reflect these distinct but related nuances. At its heart, peripoíēsis speaks to something that is specially secured and carefully kept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term peripoíēsis appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its rich meaning:
* **[[Ephesians 1:14]]**: "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory." Here, peripoíēsis refers to the "full possession" or "redemption of the acquired possession." It speaks of God's people as His special property, awaiting their full and final redemption. The Holy Spirit is the down payment, guaranteeing that God will indeed fully claim and secure His people.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 5:9]]**: "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." In this context, peripoíēsis refers to the "obtaining" or "acquisition" of salvation. It underscores God's deliberate act of choosing and delivering believers from wrath, securing for them the gift of salvation through Christ.
* **[[2 Thessalonians 2:14]]**: "It was for this that He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." Similar to 1 Thessalonians, peripoíēsis here signifies the "obtaining" or "acquisition" of glory. Believers are called by God through the gospel with the specific purpose of inheriting and participating in the glory of Christ.
* **[[Hebrews 10:39]]**: "But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." This verse presents a stark contrast. The first implied peripoíēsis (to shrinking back) leads to "destruction" or "perdition" (the acquisition of ruin), while the second peripoíēsis (of the soul) signifies "preservation" or "saving." It highlights the vital importance of persevering faith for the ultimate safeguarding of one's spiritual life.
* **[[1 Peter 2:9]]**: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This is perhaps the most significant usage, echoing Old Testament language. The phrase "a people for God's own peripoíēsis" directly translates the Hebrew סְגֻלָּה (segullah, `{{H5459}}`), meaning "peculiar treasure" or "special possession." It asserts that believers are God's specially acquired and highly valued property, set apart for His purposes and glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which peripoíēsis is derived: περιποιέομαι (peripoieomai, `{{G4046}}`), meaning "to acquire for oneself" or "to preserve." This verbal root underscores the active nature of the noun.
In the Old Testament, the concept of God's "peculiar possession" is frequently expressed by the Hebrew term סְגֻלָּה (segullah, `{{H5459}}`). This term is used to describe Israel as God's special treasure, distinct from all other peoples (e.g., [[Exodus 19:5]], [[Deuteronomy 7:6]], [[Malachi 3:17]]). The use of peripoíēsis in [[1 Peter 2:9]] explicitly applies this rich covenantal heritage to the New Testament Church, demonstrating continuity in God's redemptive plan.
Other related concepts include:
* **Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις, apolytrosis, `{{G629}}`):** The act by which God acquires His people, often through a price (Christ's blood).
* **Inheritance (κληρονομία, kleronomia, `{{G2817}}`):** The future blessing and possession that believers will receive, which is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit until its full acquisition.
* **Salvation (σωτηρία, soteria, `{{G4991}}`):** The deliverance and preservation from wrath, which believers obtain.
* **Glory (δόξα, doxa, `{{G1391}}`):** The divine splendor and honor that believers are called to acquire and share.
* **Chosenness (ἐκλεκτός, eklektos, `{{G1588}}`):** The idea that God has sovereignly selected His people, making them His own.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of peripoíēsis is profound, highlighting several core doctrines:
* **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** peripoíēsis consistently points to God as the active agent who "acquires" and "preserves." It emphasizes His sovereign will and gracious purpose in choosing, calling, and securing a people for Himself. This acquisition is not based on human merit but on divine election and grace.
* **The Cost of Redemption:** While peripoíēsis itself doesn't explicitly state the price, the concept of "purchased possession" (as in [[Ephesians 1:14]] and 1 Peter 2:9's echo of Exodus 19:5 where Israel was redeemed from slavery) implicitly points to the immense cost of this acquisition – the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Believers are God's peripoíēsis because they have been bought with the precious blood of the Lamb.
* **Security and Preservation of Believers:** The "preservation" aspect of peripoíēsis underscores God's unwavering commitment to keep His own. This provides immense assurance for believers, knowing that their salvation, their future glory, and their very souls are actively safeguarded by God. It speaks to the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, not by their own strength, but by God's preserving power.
* **Covenantal Relationship and Identity:** Especially in [[1 Peter 2:9]], peripoíēsis defines the unique identity of the Church as God's "peculiar treasure." This signifies an intimate, exclusive, and cherished relationship. Believers are not merely servants but are God's most valued possession, set apart for His purposes and reflecting His glory to the world.
* **Future Hope and Consummation:** The use in [[Ephesians 1:14]] links peripoíēsis to the ultimate consummation of God's plan, where the full "redemption of the acquired possession" will be realized. It points to a future inheritance and the complete glorification of God's people.
### Summary
Peripoíēsis (G4047) is a potent Greek term encompassing both the active "acquisition" and the steadfast "preservation" of something. In the New Testament, it vividly portrays God's sovereign work in salvation. It describes Him as the one who actively "obtains" salvation and glory for believers ([[1 Thessalonians 5:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 2:14]]), and who faithfully "preserves" their souls ([[Hebrews 10:39]]). Most profoundly, peripoíēsis defines believers as God's "own special possession" or "peculiar treasure" ([[1 Peter 2:9]]), echoing ancient covenantal language. This signifies that God has graciously acquired His people through Christ's sacrifice, and He unfailingly maintains them as His cherished property, guaranteeing their ultimate inheritance and glory to the praise of His own divine splendor ([[Ephesians 1:14]]).
TRV