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.
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.
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.
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.
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