Brief Overview of περισπάω (Strong’s G4049: perispao)

Strong’s G4049: A compound verb combining περί (around) and σπάω (to draw), meaning “to draw around, distract, be over-occupied.” Used uniquely in Luke’s account of Martha being distracted by many tasks, emphasizing how legitimate concerns can pull us away from focused devotion to Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισπάω represents distraction through over-occupation. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the drawing action of σπάω, creating a picture of being pulled in many directions. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in the Martha and Mary narrative, describing how household duties distracted Martha from sitting at Jesus’s feet. The word carries deep theological significance about priorities in discipleship. Early church writers used it to discuss the tension between necessary tasks and spiritual focus. Today, it challenges believers to examine what draws them away from devoted attention to Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισπάω, perispao, [peh-ree-SPAH-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-SPAH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• σπάω (spao): root verb meaning “to draw”
• Combined meaning: to draw around, distract

D – Defining Meanings

• To be distracted
• To be over-occupied
• To be pulled in different directions

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “around” to σπάω “to draw,” creating the sense of being drawn away in multiple directions

Translation Options:

1. Distracted – Emphasizes diverted attention
2. Over-occupied – Highlights excessive busyness
3. Pulled away – Captures physical metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποσπάω [apospao, ap-o-SPAH-oh] – to draw away
• μεριμνάω [merimnao, meh-reem-NAH-oh] – to be anxious
• τυρβάζω [turbazo, toor-BAH-zo] – to be troubled

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Imperfect
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples: distract, distracts, distracted, distracting

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes divided attention. Thayer’s notes its continuous aspect. LSJ provides examples of being drawn away. Vine’s connects it to excessive service. Strong’s emphasizes being drawn around. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But Martha was [distracted] with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?'” (Luke 10:40)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισπάω powerfully illustrates how even good things can draw us away from the best thing – sitting at Jesus’s feet. This promotes the good news of King Jesus by reminding us that authentic discipleship prioritizes relationship with Him above all activities, even legitimate service.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in medical texts for mental distraction
2. Applied in philosophical writings about focus
3. Became important in monastic teachings about contemplation

Strong’s G4049: Compound verb expressing distraction through multiple concerns. Used specifically of Martha’s over-occupation with service, teaching about priorities in discipleship. Emphasizes how legitimate duties can impede spiritual focus.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Distraction #Priorities #Discipleship #Service #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #MarthaAndMary #Focus #Devotion #Busyness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​