Brief Overview of πέρυσι (Strong’s G4070: perysi)

Strong’s G4070: An adverb meaning “last year” or “a year ago.” In biblical contexts, used to reference recent past events, particularly regarding the Corinthians’ commitment to charitable giving. Emphasizes time-based accountability and follow-through in Christian service.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέρυσι (perysi) functions as a precise temporal marker indicating “last year” or “a year ago.” In the New Testament, Paul uses it to reference the Corinthians’ previous commitment to charitable giving, highlighting both their initial enthusiasm and the need for follow-through. The early church recognized this term’s importance in discussions of Christian commitment and accountability. Today, it reminds us that faith must move beyond initial enthusiasm to sustained action, particularly in matters of generosity and service.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέρυσι, perysi, per’-oo-si
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + oo (as in “moon”) + si (as in “see”)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:
Derived from Proto-Indo-European *per (beyond) and *wet- (year)

D – Defining Meanings

• Last year
• A year ago
• In the previous year
• During the past year
• The year before

Translation Options:

1. Last year – most natural English equivalent
2. A year ago – emphasizes specific time distance
3. The previous year – more formal option

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρότερον (proteron) [prot’-er-on] – previously, more general
• πάλαι (palai) [pal’-ahee] – long ago, more distant past
• ἄρτι (arti) [ar’-tee] – just now, immediate past

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adverb Features:

• Fixed form (indeclinable)
• Temporal adverb
• Used with various tenses to indicate completed action

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: περυσινός (of last year)
• Related expressions: ἀπὸ πέρυσι (since last year)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its precise temporal reference. Thayer’s notes its use in accountability contexts. LSJ documents its common usage in business and administrative texts. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s teaching on commitment. Strong’s highlights its specific time reference. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent occurrence in papyri records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago [πέρυσι] began not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.” (2 Corinthians 8:10)

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 9:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέρυσι highlights the importance of following through on spiritual commitments. The good news of King Jesus calls for both immediate response and sustained faithfulness. This word reminds us that Christian giving and service should move beyond initial enthusiasm to consistent action, reflecting the unchanging faithfulness of Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Commonly used in ancient business contracts to reference previous agreements.
2. Early church leaders used it to track congregational giving patterns.
3. Appears frequently in ancient agricultural records regarding harvest cycles.

Strong’s G4070: An adverb precisely indicating “last year” or “a year ago.” Used in contexts of Christian accountability and follow-through, particularly regarding charitable commitments. Emphasizes the importance of sustained faithfulness in Christian service.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #time #commitment #giving #accountability #service #Paul #Corinthians #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #stewardship #faithfulness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​