Brief Overview of περιποίησις (Strong’s G4047: peripoiesis)

Strong’s G4047: A compound noun derived from περιποιέω (to acquire/preserve), meaning “possession, acquisition, preservation.” In New Testament usage, particularly describes believers as God’s special possession, emphasizing both His ownership through Christ’s purchase and His preservation of His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιποίησις represents both divine ownership and preservation. Derived from περιποιέω, it describes the state or result of being acquired and preserved. In the New Testament, it appears in key passages about believers’ relationship with God, describing them as His special possession and highlighting their future preservation. The word carries profound theological significance regarding both redemption and security. Early church writers used it to discuss believers’ privileged position and assured preservation. Today, it continues to remind Christians of their secure status as God’s purchased possession.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιποίησις, peripoiesis, [peh-ree-poy-EH-sis]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-poy-EH-sis (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• ποιέω (poieo): root verb meaning “to make/do”
• -σις (-sis): noun-forming suffix indicating action/result
• Combined meaning: state of being completely acquired

D – Defining Meanings

• Possession (owned property)
• Acquisition
• Preservation

For compound words: Derived from περιποιέω, expressing the result of complete acquisition

Translation Options:

1. Possession – Emphasizes ownership
2. Acquisition – Highlights purchase
3. Preserved people – Emphasizes protection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κτῆμα [ktema, KTAY-mah] – possession
• κληρονομία [kleronomia, klay-ro-no-MEE-ah] – inheritance
• οὐσία [ousia, oo-SEE-ah] – property

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative: περιποίησις
Genitive: περιποιήσεως
Dative: περιποιήσει

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes divine ownership. Thayer’s notes its redemptive context. LSJ provides examples of preserved property. Vine’s connects it to believers’ security. Strong’s emphasizes acquired possession. Moulton and Milligan document its legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance until the [redemption] of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:14)

Additional References:
1 Thessalonians 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, Hebrews 10:39, 1 Peter 2:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιποίησις powerfully illustrates believers’ privileged position in Christ. As God’s special possession, purchased at great cost and preserved by His power, we have assurance of both present security and future glory. This promotes the good news by emphasizing our valued status and eternal security in King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient property deeds
2. Applied to royal treasures
3. Influenced early church baptismal terminology

Strong’s G4047: Compound noun expressing both divine ownership and preservation of believers. Used to describe Christians as God’s special possession, purchased by Christ’s blood and preserved for eternal glory.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Possession #Ownership #Preservation #Security #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #Redemption #Inheritance #God’sPeople #Salvation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​