### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term περίχωρος (períchōros, `{{G4066}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`), meaning "around" or "about," and the noun χώρα (chōra, `{{G5561}}`), meaning "region," "country," or "land." Together, it denotes the area that lies "around a region," "circumjacent," or the "surrounding country." The definition often implies γῆ (gē, `{{G1093}}`), "land," as the understood subject of the vicinity. It refers not to a specific named territory itself, but rather the broader geographical area immediately adjacent to or encompassing a particular point of reference, such as a city, town, or body of water. Its semantic range thus centers on the concept of proximity and extent, delineating the scope of an area that is not merely local but extends outwards.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
περίχωρος appears several times in the New Testament, consistently describing the geographical extent of events or the origin of people.
* In the Gospels, it frequently characterizes the broad appeal of John the Baptist's ministry: "Then all Jerusalem and Judea and all the περίχωρος of the Jordan went out to him" [[Matthew 3:5]] (also [[Luke 3:3]]). This highlights the widespread nature of the response, indicating that people came from the entire area surrounding the Jordan River, not just its immediate banks.
* Similarly, it describes the reach of Jesus' ministry. After the healing in Gennesaret, "when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the περίχωρος and brought all their sick to him" [[Matthew 14:35]]. This demonstrates the rapid spread of news and the extensive reach of His healing power throughout the surrounding villages and countryside.
* In [[Luke 4:14]], it is noted that "a report about him went out through all the περίχωρος." This phrase underscores the growing fame and influence of Jesus beyond Nazareth, indicating that His reputation permeated the entire Galilean region.
* The term is also used in Acts to describe the region around cities. For example, when Paul and Barnabas fled to Lycaonia, they went to Lystra and Derbe, "and the περίχωρος" [[Acts 14:6]], implying that their ministry extended to the entire surrounding district.
In each instance, περίχωρος functions to emphasize the broad geographical scope, illustrating that events or influences were not confined to a single spot but radiated outwards, affecting a wider population.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of περίχωρος are περί `{{G4012}}` (around, about) and χώρα `{{G5561}}` (region, country). Understanding these individual elements is crucial for grasping the full meaning of the compound. Other related terms often appear in conjunction with περίχωρος or describe similar geographical concepts:
* πόλις `{{G4172}}` (city) and κώμη `{{G2968}}` (village) are often the central points from which the "surrounding region" extends, or they are implicitly part of that region.
* γῆ `{{G1093}}` (land, earth) is the implied ground or territory that constitutes the περίχωρος.
* Concepts of "vicinity," "district," and "environs" are closely related, all pointing to a localized but expansive geographical area. The term highlights the spatial diffusion of events, contrasting with a singular, isolated location.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of περίχωρος to describe the geographical extent of John the Baptist's and Jesus' ministries carries significant theological weight. It underscores the widespread nature of the divine activity and the broad scope of God's redemptive plan.
* **Widespread Impact:** The phrase "all the περίχωρος" demonstrates that the message of repentance and the good news of the Kingdom were not confined to a select few or a single locale but had a far-reaching impact on the populace. This speaks to the inclusive and expansive nature of God's call.
* **Witness and Testimony:** The gathering of people from the surrounding regions indicates a powerful public witness. The events of salvation history were not hidden but were enacted and proclaimed in a manner that drew attention from a wide area, establishing a broad base for testimony.
* **Kingdom Expansion:** The movement of people from the "country round about" to hear and respond to the message prefigures the global expansion of the Gospel. Just as the initial ministry radiated outwards from specific centers, so too would the Christian message eventually spread to the ends of the earth, encompassing ever-widening "regions." This term, therefore, subtly hints at the universal scope of God's redemptive purpose.
### Summary
περίχωρος `{{G4066}}` precisely defines the "surrounding region" or "country round about" a specified location. Formed from περί (around) and χώρα (region), it describes a geographical area extending beyond a central point, encompassing its vicinity. In biblical contexts, its primary function is to emphasize the broad geographical reach and widespread impact of significant events, particularly the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. It highlights the extensive response to their messages and the diffusion of their fame and power throughout the broader populace. Theologically, περίχωρος underscores the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive work, demonstrating that divine activity and the proclamation of the Kingdom were designed to affect and draw people from a wide and diverse array of locations.
TRV