Brief Overview of περιαιρέω (Strong’s G4014: periaireo)

Strong’s G4014: A compound verb combining περί (around) and αἱρέω (to take), meaning “to take away completely” or “remove from all around.” In nautical contexts, it describes removing ship gear; metaphorically used for complete removal of sins or obstacles, emphasizing thoroughness of action.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιαιρέω represents complete removal or thorough taking away. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the decisive action of αἱρέω, creating a verb that emphasizes comprehensive removal. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal contexts (nautical situations) and metaphorical usage (removing sin). Its theological significance lies in its representation of complete removal, particularly in Hebrews where it describes the inability of animal sacrifices to fully remove sin – contrasting with Christ’s complete removal of sin. Today, it reminds us of the thoroughness of Christ’s cleansing work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιαιρέω, periaireo, [peh-ree-ai-REH-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-ai-REH-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• αἱρέω (haireo): root verb meaning “to take, seize”
• Compound formation emphasizes comprehensive removal

D – Defining Meanings

• To take away completely
• To remove from all sides
• To strip off entirely

For compound words: The prefix περί adds the concept of “completely, from all around” to αἱρέω “to take,” creating the sense of thorough removal

Translation Options:

1. Take away completely – Emphasizes thoroughness
2. Remove entirely – Stresses completeness
3. Strip away – Captures the physical action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀφαιρέω [aphaireo, af-ai-REH-oh] – “to take away,” less emphasis on completeness
• καθαιρέω [kathaireo, kath-ai-REH-oh] – “to take down,” focuses on downward motion
• ἐξαιρέω [exaireo, ex-ai-REH-oh] – “to take out,” emphasizes extraction

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Infinitive
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Examples: take away, takes away, took away, taken away

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its nautical applications. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the action. Moulton and Milligan document its technical use in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last [taken away].” (Acts 27:20)

Additional References:
Acts 27:40, 2 Corinthians 3:16, Hebrews 10:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιαιρέω powerfully illustrates the completeness of God’s work in our lives. Just as it describes the complete stripping away of ship’s tackle or the thorough removal of obstacles, it points to how Christ completely removes our sin. This complete removal stands in stark contrast to the temporary covering of the old covenant, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel of King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used technically in ancient shipping documents for preparing vessels
2. Applied metaphorically in early Christian baptismal terminology
3. Appears in medical writings for complete removal of diseased tissue

Strong’s G4014: Compound verb denoting complete removal or thorough taking away. Used in both literal (nautical) and metaphorical (spiritual) contexts. Emphasizes thoroughness and completeness of removal, particularly significant in theological contexts regarding sin’s removal.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #CompoundVerbs #Removal #Cleansing #NauticalTerms #Salvation #BiblicalGreek #SacrificalSystem #Transformation #Sanctification #CompleteAction​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​