Brief Overview of εὐπερίστατος (Strong’s G2139: eupéristatos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it helps reveal the deeper meanings and nuances within the Scriptures. The Greek word εὐπερίστατος (eupéristatos) is particularly significant because it appears in the New Testament in the context of discussing sin and temptation. This term highlights the ease with which certain negative influences can ensnare or entangle individuals, offering insight into early Christian teachings on vigilance, moral integrity, and spiritual discipline. Studying εὐπερίστατος provides a richer understanding of the challenges faced by early believers and the cultural emphasis on resisting spiritual pitfalls in ancient Greek society.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐπερίστατος (eupéristatos) [yoo-peh-REE-stah-tos]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “easily,” and περιστάω (peristáō), meaning “to surround” or “to encircle.” Together, they imply something that “easily surrounds” or “easily entangles.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Easily besetting
• Easily entangling
• Readily ensnaring

Similar Words: The word εὐπερίστατος is related to περισπάω (perispáō), meaning “to draw away” or “to distract.” While both words involve being encircled or ensnared, εὐπερίστατος focuses more on the ease with which one can be caught or surrounded, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. Another related word is ἀνακόπτω (anakóptō), meaning “to hinder” or “to cut off,” which conveys a more active sense of stopping or blocking progress rather than being surrounded or entangled.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐπερίστατος is an adjective of the second declension. It is used to describe something that has the quality of easily surrounding or entangling, often in the context of sin or temptation.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐπερίστατος as “easily entangling” or “easily surrounding.” It is used in the context of sin or moral failings that can easily trap or ensnare individuals, indicating the need for vigilance and spiritual preparedness.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐπερίστατος as “easily besetting,” highlighting its New Testament usage in Hebrews 12:1, where it describes sin that readily entangles believers. Thayer’s emphasizes the metaphor of sin as something that encircles and ensnares, requiring active resistance.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary explains εὐπερίστατος as “readily encircling” or “easily ensnaring.” It aligns with the idea of spiritual dangers that can trap believers if they are not careful, urging a mindset of constant awareness and avoidance.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical understanding of εὐπερίστατος, focusing on the ease with which something can surround or encircle another. Although primarily used in a metaphorical sense in the New Testament, the term could also describe literal encirclement or trapping in classical literature.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐπερίστατος as meaning “easily besetting” or “easily encircling.” It emphasizes the term’s use in describing how sin or temptations can quickly trap an individual, necessitating spiritual alertness and fortitude.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles (εὐπερίστατον us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐπερίστατος (G2139: eupéristatos)

The Greek word εὐπερίστατος (eupéristatos) is an adjective meaning “easily besetting,” “easily entangling,” or “readily ensnaring.” Derived from εὖ (“well”) and περιστάω (“to surround”), it conveys the idea of something that can easily trap or encircle a person, especially in a moral or spiritual context. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into its use in the New Testament and classical literature, where it describes the dangers of sin, temptation, or behaviors that can easily ensnare individuals. In both biblical and classical contexts, εὐπερίστατος reflects the importance of vigilance, discipline, and resistance against spiritual and moral pitfalls.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word εὐπερίστατος was used in both philosophical and religious texts to warn against the dangers of easily falling into moral traps or bad habits? This highlights a universal concern across cultures about the ease with which one can be led astray if not careful!