Brief Overview of περιτομή (Strong’s G4061: peritomē)

Strong’s G4061: A noun derived from περιτέμνω, literally meaning “cutting around” but primarily referring to circumcision. In biblical contexts, represents the physical sign of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants, becoming a central marker of Jewish identity and covenant relationship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιτομή (peritomē) carries profound theological significance beyond its literal meaning of circumcision. Its primary meaning denotes the physical act, but it extends to represent covenant membership, spiritual dedication, and Jewish identity. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s letters, it becomes a focal point for discussions about salvation, faith versus works, and the nature of true spiritual transformation. The early church grappled with its significance as Christianity spread to Gentiles. Today, it helps us understand the distinction between external religious observance and internal spiritual reality.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιτομή, peritomē, per-it-om-ay’
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + it (as in “it”) + om (as in “home”) + ay (as in “day”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri) – prefix meaning “around”
• τομή (tomē) – from τέμνω (temnō), meaning “to cut”

D – Defining Meanings

• Circumcision (physical act)
• The state of being circumcised
• The Jewish people collectively
• Covenant sign
• Spiritual circumcision

For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates “around”
Root τομή indicates “cutting”

Translation Options:

1. Circumcision – standard term encompassing physical and spiritual meanings
2. Covenant sign – emphasizes theological significance
3. The circumcised – refers to the Jewish people collectively

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀκροβυστία (akrobystia) [ak-rob-oos-tee’-ah] – uncircumcision
• κατατομή (katatomē) [kat-at-om-ay’] – mutilation, false circumcision
• ἀπεκδύσις (apekdysis) [ap-ek’-doo-sis] – putting off, spiritual circumcision

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• First Declension

Example forms:
Nominative singular: περιτομή
Genitive singular: περιτομῆς
Dative plural: περιτομαῖς

Cross-references:

• Verb: περιτέμνω (to circumcise)
• Adjective: περίτμητος (circumcised)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and theological meanings. Thayer’s explores its covenant significance. LSJ notes medical and religious uses. Vine’s examines its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to covenant relationship. Moulton and Milligan document its use in Jewish community contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Moses gave you circumcision [περιτομή] (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.” (John 7:22)

Additional References:
Acts 7:8
Romans 2:25-29
Romans 3:1
Romans 4:9-12
Galatians 5:6
Philippians 3:3
Colossians 2:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιτομή powerfully illustrates the transition from external religious observance to internal spiritual reality. The good news is that King Jesus fulfills what circumcision symbolized, offering true heart transformation through faith. This demonstrates that God’s covenant promises are fulfilled not through physical markers but through spiritual regeneration in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term appears over 30 times in Paul’s letters alone.
2. Early church councils used this word in key decisions about Gentile inclusion.
3. It became a technical term in early Christian baptismal theology.

Strong’s G4061: A noun denoting both the physical act of circumcision and its spiritual significance. Central to Jewish identity and covenant relationship with God, it becomes a key term in New Testament discussions about faith, works, and true spiritual transformation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #circumcision #covenant #JewishIdentity #spiritualtransformation #faith #works #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #PaulineTheology #salvation #grace​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​