### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peristerá**, represented by `{{G4058}}`, is defined as **a pigeon or dove**. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses** in scripture, where it carries both literal and highly symbolic meaning. The term is used to refer to the physical bird, particularly in the context of temple commerce and sacrifice, and also as a powerful emblem of the Holy Spirit and a model for Christian character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4058}}` appears in several distinct contexts. Most notably, it is the form the **Spirit** of God takes at the baptism of Jesus, as seen when the Holy **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` "descended in a bodily shape like a **dove** upon him" ([[Luke 3:22]]; [[Matthew 3:16]]). Jesus also uses the **dove** metaphorically, instructing his disciples to be "harmless as **doves**" [[Matthew 10:16]]. On a literal level, **doves** were sold in the temple for sacrifices, and Jesus overturned the seats of those who sold them, rebuking the commercialization of his "Father's house" ([[Matthew 21:12]]; [[John 2:16]]). The bird is also mentioned as part of a sacrificial offering prescribed by the law [[Luke 2:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the contexts in which **peristerá** is found:
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (a spirit... the Holy Spirit): This word is directly linked to the **dove**, as the **Spirit** descended "like a **dove**" during Jesus' baptism, providing a physical manifestation for the divine presence [[John 1:32]].
* `{{G185}}` **akéraios** (innocent:--harmless, simple): This quality is explicitly assigned to the **dove** in Jesus' command for his followers to be "harmless as **doves**" [[Matthew 10:16]], defining the ideal character of a believer.
* `{{G5167}}` **trygṓn** (a turtle-dove): This word appears alongside **pigeons** `{{G4058}}` in the description of a sacrifice offered according to the law of the Lord, highlighting the bird's prescribed role in religious rituals [[Luke 2:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4058}}` is significant and varied.
* **Symbol of the Holy Spirit:** Its most profound role is as the visible form of the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` at Jesus' baptism, signifying divine approval and the anointing of the Son by the Father [[Luke 3:22]].
* **Model of Innocence:** The **dove** serves as an ethical benchmark for believers. In contrast to the cunning of the **serpent** `{{G3789}}`, the **dove's** harmlessness represents the simplicity and innocence disciples should maintain [[Matthew 10:16]].
* **Element of Temple Worship:** The presence of **doves** being sold in the temple underscores their function within the sacrificial system, but their commercialization becomes a focal point of Jesus' righteous anger against the defilement of a sacred space [[John 2:14-16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4058}}` transitions from a simple pigeon or **dove** to a word rich with theological meaning. It is used to depict one of the most critical moments in the Gospels—the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. Furthermore, it provides a lasting image for the gentle and harmless character that should mark a follower of Christ. From a creature sold in the temple courts to a symbol of the very **Spirit** of God, **peristerá** demonstrates how the ordinary can be used to represent the divine.
TRV