Brief Overview of περιβλέπω (Strong’s G4017: periblepo)

Strong’s G4017: A compound verb combining περί (around) and βλέπω (to see/look), meaning “to look around, survey.” Used exclusively in Mark’s Gospel (except once in Luke) to describe Jesus’s comprehensive, intentional observation of His surroundings, often with significant pastoral or theological implications.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιβλέπω represents a deliberate, comprehensive act of observation. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing nature of περί with the focused attention of βλέπω, creating an image of careful, complete surveillance. In the New Testament, it particularly characterizes Jesus’s way of looking at people and situations, often preceding significant teaching or healing moments. The word appears primarily in Mark’s Gospel, where it emphasizes Jesus’s awareness and pastoral concern for those around Him. It shows Jesus’s intentional engagement with His surroundings and represents more than casual observation – it indicates purposeful attention with intent to act. Today, it challenges believers to maintain similar comprehensive awareness and pastoral concern for those around them.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιβλέπω, periblepo, [peh-ree-BLEH-poh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-BLEH-poh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• βλέπω (blepo): root verb meaning “to see, look”
• Compound formation emphasizes comprehensive observation

D – Defining Meanings

• To look around carefully
• To observe comprehensively
• To survey with intent

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “all around” to βλέπω “to look,” creating the sense of complete, circular observation

Translation Options:

1. Look around – Captures basic meaning
2. Survey – Emphasizes comprehensive nature
3. Scan – Reflects intentional observation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βλέπω [blepo, BLEH-poh] – “to see,” basic act of seeing
• θεωρέω [theoreo, thee-oh-REH-oh] – “to observe,” more contemplative
• σκοπέω [skopeo, sko-PEH-oh] – “to look at,” more focused observation

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist (common in NT)
• Voice: Middle, Active
• Mood: Participle, Indicative
• Person: Third (most common)
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive or punctiliar

Examples: look around, looks around, looked around, looking around

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing Jesus’s observational patterns. Thayer’s notes its particular frequency in Mark. LSJ provides classical examples of comprehensive observation. Vine’s highlights its pastoral implications. Strong’s emphasizes the thoroughness of the looking. Moulton and Milligan note its use in everyday contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And He [looked around] at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts.” (Mark 3:5)

Additional References:
Mark 5:32, 9:8, 10:23, 11:11, Luke 6:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιβλέπω beautifully captures Jesus’s pastoral heart and comprehensive awareness. His intentional looking around wasn’t mere curiosity but reflected His deep concern for people. This word reminds us that the good news of King Jesus involves His personal, attentive care for each person, seeing us fully and responding to our needs with purpose and compassion.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used almost exclusively by Mark in his Gospel
2. Often precedes significant healing or teaching moments
3. Frequently indicates Jesus’s emotional engagement with situations

Strong’s G4017: Compound verb expressing comprehensive, purposeful observation. Primarily used of Jesus’s intentional surveillance of situations and people, often preceding significant actions. Reflects pastoral awareness and intent to engage.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #JesusMinistry #Observation #PastoralCare #GospelOfMark #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #IntentionalMinistry #Awareness #Compassion #Teaching​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​