### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb περιῤῥήγνυμι (perirrhḗgnymi, `{{G4048}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (peri, "around, about, thoroughly") and the verb ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi, "to break, burst, tear"). The prefix περί intensifies the action of the base verb, conveying a sense of completeness, encirclement, or thoroughness in the act of tearing. Thus, the core meaning of perirrhḗgnymi is "to tear all around," "to rend completely away," or "to tear off thoroughly." It implies a violent, decisive, and comprehensive act of tearing something off from its attachment or from a person. Unlike a simple tear or rip, perirrhḗgnymi suggests a forceful and complete severance, leaving nothing behind.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb περιῤῥήγνυμι (perirrhḗgnymi, `{{G4048}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 16:22]]**: "And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates **rent off** their clothes, and commanded to beat them."
In this sole occurrence, Paul and Silas are in Philippi, and after Paul casts out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, her masters incite a riot against them. The city magistrates, responding to the public outcry, take immediate and severe action. The phrase "rent off their clothes" (περιῤῥήξαντες αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια, *perirrhēxantes autōn ta himatia*) describes the violent and public stripping of Paul and Silas. This act was not merely a practical removal of garments but a deliberate humiliation and a preparation for the severe scourging that followed. The use of perirrhḗgnymi emphasizes the thoroughness and violence of this stripping, signifying a complete denigration of their status and dignity before the impending physical abuse. It highlights the brutality and summary justice meted out by the Roman authorities against those perceived as disturbers of the peace.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate the nuance of περιῤῥήγνυμι (perirrhḗgnymi, `{{G4048}}`), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi, `{{G4486}}`)**: This is the root verb, meaning "to break," "to burst," or "to tear." It is used in various contexts, such as a demon throwing a person down (e.g., [[Mark 9:18]]), or in the metaphorical sense of bursting wine skins (e.g., [[Matthew 9:17]]). While rhēgnymi denotes the general act of tearing, perirrhḗgnymi specifies a complete tearing *off* or *away*.
* **σχίζω (schizō, `{{G4977}}`)**: Meaning "to split," "to divide," or "to tear," schizō is also used for tearing garments (e.g., the high priest tearing his robes in [[Matthew 26:65]], or the tearing of the temple veil in [[Matthew 27:51]]). While similar in outcome (a torn garment), perirrhḗgnymi implies a more forceful and complete removal, often in a public and humiliating context, rather than simply a rip or division.
* **ἀποδύω (apodyō, `{{G650}}`)**: This verb means "to take off clothes," or "to strip." It describes the general act of disrobing. perirrhḗgnymi specifies *how* the clothes were taken off in Acts 16:22—not gently, but by violent tearing.
* **Concepts**: The singular use of perirrhḗgnymi in Acts 16:22 connects it to broader biblical themes of public humiliation, suffering for the Gospel, and the stripping away of dignity. It evokes the vulnerability and shame associated with being exposed before one's persecutors, a common experience for those who stood for Christ in the early church.
### Theological Significance
Though found only once, the specific usage of περιῤῥήγνυμι (perirrhḗgnymi, `{{G4048}}`) in [[Acts 16:22]] carries significant theological weight. It vividly portrays the brutal reality of persecution faced by the early followers of Christ. The act of the magistrates "rending off" the clothes of Paul and Silas was not merely a procedural step but a deeply symbolic one. It represented:
1. **Public Humiliation and Disgrace**: To be stripped naked or nearly naked in public was a profound act of shaming in ancient societies. It aimed to strip away not just clothing, but dignity, honor, and social standing, reducing the individuals to a state of utter vulnerability. This mirrors the stripping of Christ before His crucifixion, highlighting a shared experience of suffering between the Master and His disciples.
2. **Preparation for Suffering**: The violent removal of garments was a prelude to physical abuse (scourging). It signifies the readiness of the authorities to inflict pain and the willingness of the believers to endure it for the sake of the Gospel.
3. **The World's Opposition to the Gospel**: The scene in Philippi underscores the fierce opposition that the proclamation of the Good News often encountered. The magistrates, representing the established order, reacted with swift and violent measures against those who challenged their societal norms, even inadvertently.
4. **Suffering as a Mark of Discipleship**: For the early church, suffering was not an anomaly but an expected part of Christian life, aligning with the path of Christ (e.g., [[Matthew 10:24-25]], [[Romans 8:17]]). The violent tearing of their garments serves as a stark reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality that believers may be called to endure indignity and physical harm for their faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb περιῤῥήγνυμι (perirrhḗgnymi, `{{G4048}}`) signifies a complete and violent act of "tearing off" or "rending away." Its singular but powerful appearance in [[Acts 16:22]] describes the magistrates in Philippi brutally "rending off" the clothes of Paul and Silas. This act was a deliberate and public humiliation, designed to strip them of their dignity before they were physically abused. Theologically, this vivid portrayal serves as a poignant reminder of the severe persecution faced by early Christians, echoing the suffering of Christ Himself. It underscores the cost of discipleship and the reality of the world's opposition to the Gospel, while also highlighting the steadfastness required of those who bear witness to Christ.
TRV