from περί and τρέχω (including its alternate); to run around, i.e. traverse:--run through.
Transliteration:peritréchō
Pronunciation:per-ee-trekh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word peritréchō (`{{G4063}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition perí (`{{G4012}}`), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb tréchō (`{{G5143}}`), meaning "to run." Etymologically, it signifies "to run around" or "to run through." Its semantic range specifically conveys the idea of traversing an area or region with speed and urgency, encompassing a space through energetic movement. The emphasis is on the action of running and the extent of the ground covered. It implies a widespread and perhaps hurried movement across a designated territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word peritréchō (`{{G4063}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 6:55]]**: "and ran around that whole region and began to carry those who were sick on their mats to wherever they heard He was."
In this sole occurrence, peritréchō vividly describes the immediate and widespread reaction of the people in the region of Gennesaret upon recognizing Jesus. Having arrived by boat, Jesus and His disciples are instantly identified. The people's response is one of urgent action: they "ran around" (περιτρέχω) the entire surrounding area, gathering the sick and bringing them to Jesus. This single use of peritréchō powerfully conveys:
1. **Urgency**: The people's movement is not leisurely; it is a rapid, active traversing of the region.
2. **Breadth**: The phrase "that whole region" emphasizes the extensive area covered by their efforts.
3. **Desperation and Faith**: Their swift action underscores their deep need for healing and their profound conviction that Jesus possessed the power to meet that need. They did not wait for Jesus to come to them but actively sought Him out, bringing their afflicted. The verb portrays a scene of bustling activity driven by hope.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **tréchō (`{{G5143}}`)**: The base verb meaning "to run." This is a foundational term for physical movement, but also frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the Christian life as a race (e.g., [[Galatians 5:7]], [[Philippians 2:16]], [[Hebrews 12:1]]). The compound peritréchō adds the dimension of encompassing or traversing an area.
* **perí (`{{G4012}}`)**: The preposition "around," "about," which gives peritréchō its specific nuance of movement that covers a circumference or area.
* **Words of Healing and Compassion**: The context of peritréchō in [[Mark 6:55]] naturally links it to terms related to sickness, healing, and Jesus' compassion (e.g., therapeúō `{{G2323}}` - to heal, nósos `{{G3554}}` - disease).
* **Words of Haste/Urgency**: Other terms denoting swift action or urgency, though not directly related in form, share a semantic field in this context (e.g., speúdō `{{G4692}}` - to hasten).
### Theological Significance
Though found but once, peritréchō (`{{G4063}}`) in [[Mark 6:55]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a vivid portrayal of:
1. **Human Desperation and Faith**: The people's "running around" encapsulates their profound need and their active, urgent faith in Jesus' power. It demonstrates that true faith often manifests in energetic pursuit of God's presence and healing. They did not passively wait but actively engaged in bringing their burdens to Christ.
2. **The Immediate Impact of Jesus' Presence**: The rapid, widespread movement indicates the powerful and immediate effect Jesus had on the communities He entered. His reputation preceded Him, and His very presence ignited hope and action.
3. **Jesus' Unwavering Compassion**: The verse immediately following [[Mark 6:55]] describes Jesus' healing of all who touched the fringe of His cloak ([[Mark 6:56]]). The people's fervent "running around" is met with Jesus' boundless mercy and power, highlighting His readiness to respond to human need. The intense human activity of seeking is met by the divine power of healing.
4. **The Spread of the Gospel's Influence**: While not explicitly about evangelism, the scene implicitly shows how news of Jesus' power spread rapidly through a region, prompting a collective, urgent response. This foreshadows the widespread dissemination of the Gospel message.
### Summary
Peritréchō (`{{G4063}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to run around" or "to traverse," emphasizing energetic and widespread movement across an area. Its singular occurrence in [[Mark 6:55]] powerfully depicts the urgent and extensive efforts of the people in Gennesaret to bring their sick to Jesus for healing. This vivid imagery underscores the depth of human desperation and faith in the face of suffering, the immediate and profound impact of Jesus' presence, and His unwavering compassion in responding to those who actively seek Him. Though a rare word in the New Testament, peritréchō paints a dynamic picture of human need compelling a fervent pursuit of divine intervention.
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