Brief Overview of περιλείπω (Strong’s G4035: perileipo)

Strong’s G4035: A compound verb combining περί (around) and λείπω (to leave), meaning “to leave remaining, to survive.” Used in eschatological contexts to describe believers who are still alive at Christ’s return, emphasizing God’s preservation of His people until the final day.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιλείπω represents those who remain or survive. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the remaining concept of λείπω, creating an image of being preserved completely. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in Paul’s teaching about the end times, describing believers who are still alive at Christ’s return. The word carries deep theological significance regarding God’s preservation of His people and the hope of the resurrection. Early church writers used it to discuss both martyrdom and survival, emphasizing God’s sovereign protection. Today, it continues to encourage believers with the assurance that God preserves His people until His purposes are fulfilled.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιλείπω, perileipo, [peh-ree-LIE-poh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-LIE-poh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• λείπω (leipo): root verb meaning “to leave”
• Combined meaning: to leave remaining completely

D – Defining Meanings

• To remain alive
• To survive
• To be left remaining

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to λείπω “to leave,” emphasizing complete preservation

Translation Options:

1. Remain alive – Emphasizes survival
2. Still living – Captures present state
3. Left remaining – Reflects preservation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταλείπω [kataleipo, ka-ta-LIE-poh] – to leave behind
• ὑπολείπω [hypoleipo, hoo-po-LIE-poh] – to leave under
• διαλείπω [dialeipo, dee-a-LIE-poh] – to leave an interval

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: First
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Ongoing state

Examples: remain, remains, remained, remaining

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its eschatological context. Thayer’s notes its use for survivors. LSJ provides examples of preservation. Vine’s connects it to end-time hope. Strong’s emphasizes complete remaining. Moulton and Milligan document its use in survival contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and [remain] until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15)

Additional References:
1 Thessalonians 4:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιλείπω powerfully illustrates God’s faithful preservation of His people. Used in discussing Christ’s return, it reminds us that the good news of King Jesus includes both present preservation and future transformation, encouraging believers that God faithfully keeps those who are His.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient texts describing survivors of disasters
2. Applied in military contexts for remaining troops
3. Significant in early Christian martyrdom literature

Strong’s G4035: Compound verb expressing complete preservation or remaining. Used specifically for believers alive at Christ’s return. Emphasizes divine preservation and the hope of the resurrection.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Eschatology #SecondComing #Survival #Preservation #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Hope #Resurrection #EndTimes #Divine Protection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​