Brief Overview of πέριξ (Strong’s G4038: perix)

Strong’s G4038: An adverb derived from περί (around), meaning “round about, in the surrounding region.” Used uniquely in Acts to describe the geographical spread of early Christian ministry, particularly regarding people coming from surrounding cities to Jerusalem for healing.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέριξ represents comprehensive geographical coverage in ministry contexts. Derived from περί, it describes surrounding areas or regions in a complete sense. In the New Testament, it appears only in Acts, describing how people from surrounding cities brought their sick to Jerusalem for healing by the apostles. The word carries significant theological implications about the expanding reach of the gospel and the magnetic draw of God’s power. Early church writers used it to discuss both geographical expansion of ministry and the gathering of people to centers of spiritual authority. Today, it reminds us that the gospel’s influence reaches outward to surrounding regions while drawing people to Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέριξ, perix, [PEH-rix]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEH-rix (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Derived from περί (peri): meaning “around”
• -ξ (-x): adverbial suffix
• Combined meaning: round about, in surrounding areas

D – Defining Meanings

• Round about
• In the surrounding region
• From all around

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derived from περί with adverbial formation

Translation Options:

1. Round about – Traditional translation
2. Surrounding – Modern equivalent
3. Neighboring – Contextual equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κύκλῳ [kyklo, KOO-klo] – in a circle
• περί [peri, peh-REE] – around
• κυκλόθεν [kyklothen, koo-KLO-then] – from all sides

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb:

• Indeclinable
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Can function as improper preposition with genitive case

Cross-references:

• περί (preposition form)
• περισσός (related adjective)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its geographical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to ministry expansion. LSJ provides examples from spatial contexts. Vine’s connects it to gospel spread. Strong’s emphasizes surrounding regions. Moulton and Milligan document its use in administrative texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Also a multitude gathered from the cities [round about] Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits.” (Acts 5:16)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέριξ powerfully illustrates the expanding influence of the gospel. Just as people from surrounding regions were drawn to Jerusalem for healing, the good news of King Jesus continues to spread outward while drawing people to Him. This word reminds us that Christ’s power both reaches out and draws in.

D – Did You Know?

1. Common in ancient geographical descriptions
2. Used in administrative documents for regional governance
3. Influenced early Christian missionary strategy terminology

Strong’s G4038: Adverb describing surrounding regions or areas. Used uniquely in Acts to describe the geographical reach of apostolic ministry and the drawing power of divine healing. Emphasizes comprehensive regional influence.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #Geography #Ministry #Expansion #Healing #BiblicalGreek #Acts #Mission #Region #Influence #Outreach​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​