Brief Overview of πέρας (Strong’s G4009: peras)

Strong’s G4009: A noun denoting end, boundary, or limit. Used both literally for geographical boundaries and metaphorically for completion or extremity. In NT usage, expresses both spatial extremities of earth and temporal completion. Significant in describing the universal scope of God’s message and ultimate purposes.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέρας represents both physical boundaries and conceptual limits. In NT contexts, it appears in phrases like “ends of the earth” to express universal scope, and in discussions of divine purposes to indicate completion. Early church writers saw it as expressing both the geographical extent of mission and the completion of God’s plans. Today, it reminds us of both the global reach of the gospel and God’s sovereign control over endings and completions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέρας, peras, [PEH-ras]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEH-rahs (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Related to πέρα (beyond)
• Indo-European root *per- (through, beyond)
• Forms noun indicating limitation
• Implies completion or boundary

D – Defining Meanings

• End, boundary
• Limit, extremity
• Conclusion
• Ultimate point

For compound words: Not applicable as primary noun

Translation Options:

• End – General usage
• Boundary – Spatial context
• Limit – Abstract context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέλος [telos, TEH-los] – end, goal
• ἔσχατος [eschatos, ES-kha-tos] – last, extreme
• ὅριον [horion, HOR-ee-on] – boundary

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Third Declension
• Neuter Gender
• Nominative: πέρας
• Genitive: πέρατος
• Dative: πέρατι
• Accusative: πέρας
• Cross-references: περατόω (to complete)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both spatial and temporal aspects. Thayer’s notes universal scope usage. LSJ traces development from physical to abstract meaning. Vine’s highlights missionary context. Moulton and Milligan show documentary usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends [πέρας] of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon.” (Matthew 12:42)

Additional References:
Romans 10:18, Hebrews 6:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέρας reminds us that God’s message reaches to earth’s furthest bounds and that He sovereignly determines all endings. The gospel’s universal scope and God’s complete control over conclusions encourage us in both mission and trust.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient geographical treatises
2. Important in Greek philosophical discussions of limits
3. Key term in early missionary documents

Strong’s G4009: A noun denoting end, boundary, or limit. Used both literally for geographical boundaries and metaphorically for completion or extremity. In NT usage, expresses both spatial extremities of earth and temporal completion. Significant in describing universal scope of God’s message.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Boundaries #Completion #UniversalScope #Mission #DivinePurpose #Geography #Limits #GlobalReach #Fulfillment #Sovereignty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​