from περί and the base of τροπή; to turn around, i.e. (mentally) to craze:--+ make mad.
Transliteration:peritrépō
Pronunciation:per-ee-trep'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb περιτρέπω (peritrépō, `{{G4062}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the base of the verb τρέπω (trepō), meaning "to turn." The combination thus literally signifies "to turn completely around" or "to turn about." In its primary usage, it implies a thorough reversal or inversion. However, in its sole New Testament occurrence, the word takes on a figurative and mental sense, meaning "to turn the mind around," "to derange," or "to make mad." It describes a state where one's intellect or reason is completely overturned, leading to irrationality or insanity. The force of the prefix περί emphasizes the totality of this mental turning, suggesting a complete departure from sanity or sound judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term περιτρέπω (peritrépō, `{{G4062}}`) is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only once in [[Acts 26:24]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding its specific nuance. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is delivering his defense before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. As Paul speaks of his conversion, his mission, and the resurrection of Christ, Festus interrupts him with a loud exclamation: "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you mad!" (Greek: "Μαίνῃ, Παῦλε· τὰ πολλὰ γράμματά σε εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει").
Festus, a Roman governor operating from a secular worldview, interprets Paul's profound theological arguments and claims of a resurrected Messiah as evidence of mental instability. He attributes this perceived madness to Paul's extensive education ("great learning" or "many letters"), suggesting that too much study has unhinged his mind. This accusation reveals a fundamental clash between worldly wisdom and divine revelation. Festus cannot comprehend the spiritual truths Paul proclaims and, therefore, dismisses them as irrationality. Paul's calm and reasoned response in the following verse, affirming that he speaks words of truth and soberness, highlights the stark contrast between human perception and divine reality. The verb περιτρέπω here vividly captures the idea of a mind being completely turned away from reason, as perceived by an unbeliever.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning of περιτρέπω (peritrépō, `{{G4062}}`).
* **περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`):** The preposition "around" or "about," which intensifies the turning action, indicating completeness.
* **τρέπω (trepō) / τροπή (tropē, `{{G5157}}`):** The root verb "to turn" and its noun form "a turning" or "change." These highlight the core idea of a shift or alteration.
* **μαίνομαι (mainomai, `{{G3105}}`):** "To be mad," "to rave." This is the state of madness that περιτρέπω describes as the outcome. Festus uses a form of this verb ("μαίνῃ") in the same breath as περιτρέπω, making their semantic connection explicit.
* **ἐξίστημι (existēmi, `{{G1839}}`):** "To be beside oneself," "to be astonished," "to be out of one's mind." This term can also describe a state of mental derangement or extreme emotion, often used in contexts where people are overwhelmed by divine power or revelation.
* **μωρία (mōria, `{{G3472}}`):** "Foolishness." Paul frequently uses this term in his epistles, particularly in [[1 Corinthians 1:18-25]], to describe how the message of the cross is perceived as "foolishness" by the world, contrasting it with the "wisdom" of God. This concept directly relates to Festus's perception of Paul's "madness."
These related terms collectively paint a picture of intellectual and spiritual incomprehension, where divine truth is misconstrued as irrationality or madness by those who lack spiritual discernment.
### Theological Significance
The single use of περιτρέπω (peritrépō, `{{G4062}}`) in [[Acts 26:24]] carries profound theological significance, primarily highlighting the clash between worldly wisdom and divine revelation.
1. **The World's Perception of Divine Truth:** Festus's accusation vividly illustrates how the profound truths of the gospel, particularly the resurrection and the call to repentance, can appear utterly irrational or "mad" to those who view reality solely through a secular or humanistic lens. What is rational and wise from God's perspective is often deemed irrational and foolish by the world. This aligns with Paul's own teaching in [[1 Corinthians 1:18-25]], where he declares that "the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
2. **The "Madness" of the Gospel:** From a human standpoint, believing in a crucified and resurrected Messiah, and committing one's life to such a belief, can be perceived as an abandonment of reason. This perception is not new; even Jesus was accused of being "out of his mind" ([[Mark 3:21]]). The accusation against Paul underscores that following Christ often means embracing a "foolishness" that defies conventional human logic, yet it is the very wisdom and power of God.
3. **Steadfastness in the Face of Scorn:** Paul's calm and dignified response to Festus's outburst demonstrates the unwavering conviction of a believer grounded in truth. Despite being ridiculed and accused of madness, Paul does not waver but continues to articulate the "words of truth and soberness." This serves as an example for believers who may face similar dismissals or accusations when proclaiming the gospel in a world that does not understand spiritual realities.
4. **The Limitations of Human Reason:** The passage implicitly teaches the limitations of human reason when confronted with divine revelation. Festus, despite his position of authority and presumably his education, cannot grasp the spiritual dimension of Paul's message. This highlights the necessity of divine illumination for true understanding, as spiritual truths are "spiritually discerned" ([[1 Corinthians 2:14]]).
### Summary
The Greek term περιτρέπω (peritrépō, `{{G4062}}`) literally means "to turn completely around," but in its New Testament context, it signifies a mental derangement—to "make mad" or "drive crazy." Its sole appearance in [[Acts 26:24]] is pivotal, capturing Governor Festus's accusation that Paul's extensive learning has driven him to madness. This incident powerfully illustrates the fundamental clash between human, worldly rationality and the divine wisdom of the gospel. To the unspiritual mind, the profound truths of Christ's resurrection and the call to faith can appear utterly irrational, even "foolishness" or "madness." The word thus underscores the world's inherent inability to comprehend spiritual realities without divine illumination, and simultaneously highlights the steadfastness required of believers who proclaim a message often deemed illogical by secular standards.
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