### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **períchōros**, represented by `{{G4066}}`, defines a **surrounding region or vicinity**. It appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from περί (around) and χώρα (region), its base definition is "around the region," and it is typically translated as "country (round) about" or "region (that lieth) round about," signifying a circumjacent area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4066}}` is used to establish the geographical scope of a ministry or event. John the Baptist's work is described as taking place in "all the **country about** Jordan" [[Luke 3:3]] and "all the **region round about** Jordan" [[Matthew 3:5]]. The word is also central to describing the spread of Jesus's influence, with his fame going out "through all the **region round about**" [[Luke 4:14]] and into "every place of the **country round about**" [[Luke 4:37]]. It defines the area of refuge for Paul and Barnabas, who fled to Lystra, Derbe, and "the **region that lieth round about**" [[Acts 14:6]]. In one instance, the term is used twice to emphasize the collective response of the "multitude of the **country** of the Gadarenes **round about**" [[Luke 8:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the actions that occur within these surrounding regions:
* `{{G4063}}` **peritréchō** (to run around, i.e. traverse): This word describes an action occurring within a `períchōros`. In [[Mark 6:55]], people **ran through** the whole **region round about** to find Jesus.
* `{{G4064}}` **periphérō** (to convey around, i.e. transport hither and thither): This term is also used in [[Mark 6:55]], where people began to **carry about** the sick on beds within that same **region round about**.
### Theological Significance
The narrative function of `{{G4066}}` is to provide scale and context to key events.
* **Defining the Scope of Influence:** The word is repeatedly used to show that the impact of a person was not limited to a single town but radiated outwards. This is seen in the reports of Jesus's fame spreading throughout the **region round about** Galilee [[Mark 1:28]] and Judaea [[Luke 7:17]].
* **Highlighting Public Response:** `{{G4066}}` often frames the reaction of an entire population. The men of "that **country round about**" recognized Jesus and brought all their sick to him [[Matthew 14:35]], demonstrating the collective faith or need of the area.
* **Establishing a Setting for Action:** The term sets the physical stage for biblical events. It establishes the boundaries for John's preaching, the extent of Jesus's early fame, and the area where the apostles sought safety.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4066}}` is more than a simple geographical marker. It is a narrative tool used to illustrate the breadth of influence, the extent of a collective response, and the physical setting for pivotal moments in scripture. It consistently demonstrates how the presence and message of key figures like Jesus and John the Baptist permeated not just specific cities, but the entire vicinities surrounding them.
TRV