Brief Overview of περικάθαρμα (Strong’s G4027: perikatharma)

Strong’s G4027: A compound noun combining περί (around) and κάθαρμα (that which is cleansed away), denoting “refuse, filth, or scum.” Used in ancient ritual contexts for purification sacrifices and metaphorically in the New Testament to describe how the world views Christ’s followers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περικάθαρμα represents both ritual purification remains and social outcasts. As a compound word, it combines the comprehensive aspect of περί with the cleansing concept of κάθαρμα, creating a powerful image of complete rejection or removal. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe how apostles were viewed by society – as worthless refuse. The word carried deep sacrificial connotations in Greek culture, where human scapegoats were sometimes called περικαθάρματα before being expelled or sacrificed for city purification. Early church writers embraced this identification with Christ’s suffering, seeing their social rejection as participation in His sacrifice. Today, it reminds believers that following Christ may mean being treated as society’s refuse while actually serving God’s redemptive purpose.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περικάθαρμα, perikatharma, [peh-ree-KA-thar-mah]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-KA-thar-mah (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• κάθαρμα (katharma): from καθαίρω “to cleanse”
• -μα (-ma): noun-forming suffix indicating result
• Combined meaning: that which is completely cleansed away

D – Defining Meanings

• Refuse, filth
• Ritual cleansing sacrifice
• Social outcast

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to κάθαρμα “cleansed matter,” creating the sense of total rejection or removal

Translation Options:

1. Scum – Captures social contempt
2. Refuse – Emphasizes rejection
3. Offscouring – Traditional translation preserving ritual connotations

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κάθαρμα [katharma, KA-thar-mah] – cleansed matter
• σκύβαλον [skybalon, SKOO-ba-lon] – refuse, dung
• περίψημα [peripsema, peh-REE-psay-mah] – scrapings, refuse

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative: περικάθαρμα
Genitive: περικαθάρματος
Plural: περικαθάρματα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ritual and social implications. Thayer’s notes its use in purification ceremonies. LSJ provides examples from ritual contexts. Vine’s connects it to Christian suffering. Strong’s emphasizes complete removal. Moulton and Milligan document its use in curses and ritual texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“We have become, and are still, like the [scum] of the world, the refuse of all things.” (1 Corinthians 4:13)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περικάθαρμα powerfully illustrates how following King Jesus often means sharing in His rejection by the world. Yet, like Christ’s redemptive suffering, what appears to be worthless refuse in the world’s eyes is precious in God’s plan. This word reminds us that the gospel often works through what society rejects.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient Greek purification rituals for human scapegoats
2. Connected to the practice of cleansing cities during plagues
3. Became a badge of honor in early Christian martyrdom accounts

Strong’s G4027: Compound noun denoting that which is completely cleansed away or removed. Used in ritual contexts for purification sacrifices and metaphorically for social outcasts. Carries deep implications about Christian suffering and identification with Christ.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Suffering #Persecution #Sacrifice #Ritual #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #ChristianIdentity #PaulineTeaching #Martyrdom #Rejection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​