Brief Overview of πέραν (Strong’s G4008: peran)

Strong’s G4008: Adverb meaning “beyond, across, or on the other side.” Often used with the genitive case to indicate location beyond a body of water. In NT, frequently describes Jesus’s ministry movements across the Jordan River or Sea of Galilee, showing the geographical scope of His mission.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέραν carries both geographical and metaphorical significance in Scripture. In the gospels, it marks Jesus’s movement between Jewish and Gentile territories, symbolizing the expanding reach of His ministry. Early church writers saw these crossings as representing the gospel’s movement beyond cultural boundaries. Today, it reminds us that God’s message crosses all borders.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέραν, peran, [PEH-ran]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEH-rahn
• Part of Speech: Adverb/Improper Preposition

Etymology:

• Related to πέρα (beyond)
• Indo-European root *per- (through)
• Forms adverbial concept
• Indicates traversing space

D – Defining Meanings

• Beyond
• Across
• On the other side
• Across the water

For compound words: Not applicable as primary word

Translation Options:

• Beyond – General location
• Across – Water context
• On the other side – Specific location

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διά [dia, dee-AH] – through
• ἀντιπέραν [antiperan, an-tee-PEH-ran] – opposite
• μετά [meta, meh-TAH] – after, beyond

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Indeclinable Adverb
• Used with genitive case
• Fixed form
• Functions as improper preposition
• Cross-references: περαιτέρω (further)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes geographical usage. Thayer’s notes water-crossing contexts. LSJ traces spatial development. Vine’s highlights gospel movement contexts. Moulton and Milligan show travel terminology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond [πέραν] the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.” (Matthew 4:15)

Additional References:
Matthew 8:18, Mark 4:35, John 6:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέραν reminds us that Christ’s ministry knows no boundaries. As Jesus crossed physical barriers to reach people, His gospel continues to cross cultural, social, and geographical boundaries today, reaching all peoples with God’s love.

D – Did You Know?

1. Often marks transition between Jewish/Gentile territories
2. Key term in ancient travel narratives
3. Used in early church missionary descriptions

Strong’s G4008: Adverb meaning “beyond, across, or on the other side.” Often used with the genitive case to indicate location beyond a body of water. In NT, frequently describes Jesus’s ministry movements across the Jordan River or Sea of Galilee, showing the geographical scope of His mission.

Part of speech: Adverb/Improper Preposition

Tags: #Geography #JesusMinistry #Boundaries #Travel #Jordan #Galilee #MissionaryMovement #BiblicalGeography #CrossingBoundaries #GospelExpansion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​