Brief Overview of περιΐστημι (Strong’s G4026: periistemi)

Strong’s G4026: A compound verb combining περί (around) and ἵστημι (to stand), meaning “to stand around” or “to avoid.” In the New Testament, it describes both physical gathering around someone and metaphorically avoiding harmful influences, particularly false teaching or worthless discussions.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιΐστημι represents both physical positioning around something and deliberate avoidance. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing sense of περί with the stance of ἵστημι, creating dual meanings of either surrounding or standing away from something. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal contexts (people standing around) and metaphorical usage (avoiding harmful influences). The word carries significant theological implications about community gathering and spiritual discernment. Early church writers used it to discuss both congregational life and the importance of avoiding false teaching. Today, it continues to guide believers in both gathering for support and avoiding harmful influences.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιΐστημι, periistemi, [peh-ree-IS-tay-mee]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-IS-tay-mee (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• ἵστημι (histemi): root verb meaning “to stand”
• Combined meaning: to stand around/away from

D – Defining Meanings

• To stand around
• To gather around
• To avoid, shun

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “around” to ἵστημι “to stand,” creating either the sense of surrounding or avoiding

Translation Options:

1. Stand around – Literal physical positioning
2. Gather around – Emphasizes community aspect
3. Avoid – Captures metaphorical distancing

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρίστημι [paristemi, par-IS-tay-mee] – to stand beside
• συνίστημι [synistemi, syn-IS-tay-mee] – to stand together
• ἀφίστημι [aphistemi, af-IS-tay-mee] – to stand away from

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Imperative, Participle, Indicative
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Ongoing or completed state

Examples: stand around, stands around, stood around, standing around

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both gathering and avoiding meanings. Thayer’s notes its development from physical to metaphorical usage. LSJ provides classical examples of both meanings. Vine’s connects it to church life. Strong’s emphasizes the surrounding aspect. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And because of the people [standing around] I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” (John 11:42)

Additional References:
2 Timothy 2:16, Titus 3:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιΐστημι beautifully illustrates both gathering in Christian community and discerning what to avoid. It reminds us that following King Jesus involves both drawing near to what is good and distancing ourselves from harmful influences. This dual meaning promotes the gospel by encouraging both community and discernment.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in military contexts for tactical positioning
2. Applied in medical texts for avoiding contagion
3. Became important in early church discipline practices

Strong’s G4026: Compound verb expressing both gathering around and deliberate avoidance. Used for physical assembly and metaphorical distancing from harmful influences. Significant in contexts of community formation and spiritual discernment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Community #Discernment #Gathering #Avoidance #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #ChurchLife #FalseTeaching #Wisdom #Protection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​