Brief Overview of περίεργος (Strong’s G4021: periergos)

Strong’s G4021: A compound adjective combining περί (beyond) and ἔργον (work), meaning “overly curious, meddlesome,” or “practicing magic arts.” In New Testament usage, particularly describes forbidden magical practices and unnecessary, harmful curiosity about others’ affairs.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίεργος represents both meddlesome behavior and involvement in forbidden magical practices. As a compound word, it combines going “beyond” proper bounds (περί) with “work” (ἔργον), creating a description of activities that overstep appropriate boundaries. In Acts, it specifically refers to magical practices that new converts abandoned, while in Timothy it describes busybody behavior disrupting church order. Early church writers used this term to condemn both pagan magical practices and destructive gossip. Today, it continues to challenge believers to examine their involvement in questionable practices and inappropriate interference in others’ lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίεργος, periergos, [peh-REE-er-gos]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-REE-er-gos (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “beyond, around”
• ἔργον (ergon): root noun meaning “work”
• -ος (-os): adjectival ending
• Combined meaning: working beyond proper bounds

D – Defining Meanings

• Practicing magic arts
• Meddlesome, busybody
• Overly curious

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “beyond appropriate bounds” to ἔργον “work,” describing activity that exceeds proper limits

Translation Options:

1. Magical – Emphasizes occult practices
2. Meddlesome – Captures interfering behavior
3. Superfluous – Highlights unnecessary activity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολυπράγμων [polypragmon, po-ly-PRAG-mohn] – busybody, but without magical connotations
• φλύαρος [phlyaros, FLEE-ah-ros] – gossipy, but less active interference
• γόης [goes, GO-ays] – sorcerer, specifically magical practices

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjectival Features:

• Case: All cases
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Agreement: Modifies nouns with matching case, number, gender

Examples:
Masculine: περίεργος
Feminine: περίεργος
Neuter: περίεργον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both magical practices and meddlesome behavior. Thayer’s notes its dual application to magic and curiosity. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s connects it to forbidden practices. Strong’s emphasizes working beyond bounds. Moulton and Milligan document its use in magical papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Many of those who had practiced [magic arts] brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.” (Acts 19:19)

Additional References:
1 Timothy 5:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίεργος powerfully illustrates the transformative power of the gospel. When Ephesian converts burned their magical texts, they demonstrated that following King Jesus requires abandoning practices that compete with His lordship. This word challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be overstepping boundaries or engaging in practices incompatible with Christian faith.

D – Did You Know?

1. Associated with the famous Ephesian magical texts
2. Used in ancient curse tablets and spells
3. Often appeared in legal documents condemning sorcery

Strong’s G4021: Compound adjective describing both magical practices and meddlesome behavior. Used in contexts of Christian conversion and church order. Significant in early church’s rejection of pagan magical practices and promotion of appropriate Christian conduct.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #MagicalPractices #Conversion #ChurchOrder #Ephesus #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #Transformation #Boundaries #Occult #Discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​