from περί and φέρω; to convey around, i.e. transport hither and thither:--bear (carry) about.
Transliteration:periphérō
Pronunciation:per-ee-fer'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4064 (periphérō) is a compound verb derived from the preposition περί (peri - `{{G4012}}`), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb φέρω (pherō - `{{G5342}}`), meaning "to bear," "to carry," or "to bring." Etymologically, it signifies "to carry around" or "to bear about." Its semantic range encompasses both literal and metaphorical applications. Literally, it denotes the physical act of transporting something or someone from place to place, often implying a widespread or circular movement rather than a direct, linear one. Metaphorically, it describes a state of being continuously affected, influenced, or characterized by something, suggesting a pervasive or inescapable condition. It can also imply instability or being swayed aimlessly by external forces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G4064 appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct contextual nuance:
1. **[[Mark 6:55]]**: "And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about on beds those that were sick, where they heard he was."
* Here, periphérō is used in its literal sense, describing the widespread effort of people in Gennesaret to bring the sick to Jesus for healing. The phrase "carry about on beds" emphasizes the extensive and urgent movement of the populace, conveying the sick from various locations to where Jesus was present. It highlights the pervasive need for healing and the active pursuit of divine intervention.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 4:10]]**: "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."
* In this profound theological statement, Paul employs periphérō metaphorically. "Bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus" signifies a constant, pervasive identification with Christ's suffering, self-denial, and crucifixion. It is not merely an occasional experience but a continuous state of living out Christ's death in one's own physical existence, particularly through hardship and persecution. The purpose of this persistent "bearing about" is teleological: it is so that the resurrected life of Jesus might also be powerfully displayed through the apostle's body.
3. **[[Ephesians 4:14]]**: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
* This usage is also metaphorical, serving as a warning against spiritual immaturity and doctrinal instability. To be "carried about with every wind of doctrine" depicts a state of being easily swayed, lacking firm spiritual roots, and susceptible to false teachings. The imagery of "wind" (`{{G417}}` - anemos) powerfully conveys the aimless, uncontrolled movement, contrasting sharply with the steadfastness and unity that should characterize mature believers. It underscores the danger of external influences when internal conviction is weak.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **φέρω (pherō - `{{G5342}}`)**: The foundational verb, meaning to bear, carry, or bring. periphérō intensifies or specifies the manner of carrying as "around" or "about."
* **περί (peri - `{{G4012}}`)**: The prefix, indicating circumvention, encompassing, or distribution.
* **κλυδωνίζομαι (klydōnizomai - `{{G2830}}`)**: "Tossed to and fro," used in conjunction with periphérō in [[Ephesians 4:14]], emphasizing the instability and lack of direction.
* **ἀνέμος (anemos - `{{G417}}`)**: "Wind," the agent by which one is "carried about" in [[Ephesians 4:14]], representing external influences or doctrines.
* **διδασκαλία (didaskalia - `{{G1319}}`)**: "Doctrine" or "teaching," the content that can "carry one about" if not properly discerned.
* **Concepts of Stability vs. Instability**: periphérō in its metaphorical sense often contrasts with concepts like steadfastness (e.g., ἑδραῖος - hedraios - `{{G1476}}`), firmness (e.g., στερεός - stereos - `{{G4731}}`), and being rooted (e.g., ῥιζόω - rhizoō - `{{G4492}}`).
* **Concepts of Suffering and Identification**: In [[2 Corinthians 4:10]], it relates to θάνατος (thanatos - `{{G2288}}` - death) and ζωή (zōē - `{{G2222}}` - life), highlighting the paradox of Christian existence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of periphérō is rich and multifaceted, highlighting critical aspects of Christian life and ministry:
1. **The Pervasiveness of Christ's Suffering and Life**: In [[2 Corinthians 4:10]], "bearing about the dying of the Lord Jesus" is a profound theological statement on the nature of apostolic ministry and discipleship. It suggests that identification with Christ is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality of continuous self-sacrifice, suffering, and vulnerability that mirrors His crucifixion. This constant embrace of suffering is paradoxically the means by which the resurrection life of Christ is made manifest and powerful through the believer. It underscores the Pauline theology that weakness and suffering are avenues for divine power and glory.
2. **The Imperative of Doctrinal Stability**: [[Ephesians 4:14]] uses periphérō as a stark warning against spiritual immaturity. Being "carried about with every wind of doctrine" signifies a dangerous lack of theological grounding, making believers vulnerable to deception and false teachings. This emphasizes the vital importance of sound doctrine, spiritual discernment, and growth into Christ-like maturity. The church's ministry of equipping the saints (Ephesians 4:11-13) is precisely to prevent this aimless spiritual wandering, fostering unity and steadfastness in truth.
3. **Active Pursuit of Divine Grace**: In [[Mark 6:55]], the literal "carrying about" of the sick to Jesus underscores human desperation and the active, widespread pursuit of divine healing. It implicitly reveals Jesus' compassion and power, drawing people from all directions. This scene portrays a community actively seeking and responding to the presence of the Messiah, demonstrating faith through their physical efforts.
### Summary
The Greek word G4064 (periphérō) literally means "to carry around" or "to bear about," derived from περί (around) and φέρω (to carry). Its biblical usage extends from the literal act of transporting the sick to Jesus in [[Mark 6:55]], illustrating widespread human need and the active pursuit of divine intervention, to profound metaphorical applications. In [[2 Corinthians 4:10]], it describes the continuous and pervasive "bearing about" of Christ's dying in the believer's body, a theological truth that links suffering directly to the manifestation of Christ's resurrection life. Finally, in [[Ephesians 4:14]], it serves as a powerful warning against spiritual immaturity, portraying believers who are "carried about with every wind of doctrine" as unstable and vulnerable to deception. Across its occurrences, periphérō thus highlights themes of movement—whether physical, spiritual, or doctrinal—and its profound implications for Christian experience, suffering, and spiritual maturity.
TRV