Brief Overview of περιάγω (Strong’s G4013: periago)

Strong’s G4013: A compound verb combining περί (around) and ἄγω (to lead/bring), meaning “to lead around, go around.” In the New Testament, it primarily describes Jesus’s extensive ministry travels throughout Galilee and surrounding regions, emphasizing the mobile, inclusive nature of His teaching ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιάγω embodies the dynamic, mobile nature of Jesus’s ministry and early Christian mission work. As a compound word, it combines the concept of comprehensive coverage (περί) with purposeful movement (ἄγω), painting a picture of intentional, wide-ranging ministry. In the New Testament, it particularly characterizes Jesus’s method of bringing the gospel to people where they were, rather than expecting them to come to Him. This word captures the essence of incarnational ministry, showing how Jesus and His followers actively sought out people in their own contexts. Today, it continues to challenge the church to embrace a mobile, seeking approach to ministry rather than remaining stationary.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιάγω, periago, [peh-ree-AH-go]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-AH-go (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, about”
• ἄγω (ago): root verb meaning “to lead, bring, guide”
• Compound formation creates sense of comprehensive movement

D – Defining Meanings

• To go around (intransitive)
• To lead around (transitive)
• To travel about systematically

For compound words: The prefix περί adds the sense of “around, comprehensive” to the root ἄγω “to lead,” creating the meaning of systematic, purposeful movement in a region

Translation Options:

1. Go about – Captures the mobile nature of the action
2. Travel around – Emphasizes systematic movement
3. Circuit – Reflects the methodical coverage of an area

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διάγω [diago, dee-AH-go] – “to pass through,” emphasizes progression rather than circuit
• προάγω [proago, pro-AH-go] – “to go before,” focuses on leadership rather than coverage
• συνάγω [synago, soon-AH-go] – “to gather together,” emphasizes collection rather than distribution

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect (most common in NT)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third (most common)
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Linear

In English, the word morphs as: go about, goes about, went about, going about

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing intentional ministry movement. Thayer’s notes its frequent application to teaching circuits. LSJ provides examples of systematic travel in classical usage. Vine’s highlights its missionary significance. Strong’s emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the movement. Moulton and Milligan note its common use in travel descriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Jesus [went about] all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)

Additional References:
Matthew 9:35, Mark 6:6, Acts 13:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιάγω beautifully captures the missionary heart of Jesus and His followers. It shows us a Savior who didn’t wait for people to come to Him but actively sought them out in their own contexts. This word challenges us to embrace a similar approach in sharing the good news of King Jesus, going to where people are rather than expecting them to come to us.

D – Did You Know?

1. This verb often appears in imperfect tense, emphasizing ongoing action
2. It’s particularly associated with teaching ministry in the New Testament
3. The word influenced early Christian missionary strategy of systematic regional evangelism

Strong’s G4013: Compound verb combining “around” (περί) with “to lead” (ἄγω), describing systematic movement through an area. Primarily used of Jesus’s ministry travels, emphasizing His active approach to reaching people. Reflects early Christian missionary strategy of comprehensive regional coverage.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #JesusMinistry #MissionaryWork #Teaching #Travel #Evangelism #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Movement #Ministry #GospelSpread​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​