Brief Overview of περίκειμαι (Strong’s G4029: perikeimai)

Strong’s G4029: A compound verb combining περί (around) and κεῖμαι (to lie/be placed), meaning “to lie around, be placed around, encompass.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to describe things that surround, encircle, or enclose, particularly in contexts of constraint or limitation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίκειμαι represents complete encompassment or encirclement. As a compound word, it combines the surrounding aspect of περί with the placement of κεῖμαι, creating a picture of something completely enclosed or surrounded. In the New Testament, it appears in both threatening contexts (millstone around neck) and spiritual imagery (cloud of witnesses). This word carries deep significance in describing both physical constraint and spiritual reality. Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss both martyrdom and spiritual encouragement. Today, it reminds believers of both the serious nature of sin and the encouraging reality of spiritual support.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίκειμαι, perikeimai, [peh-REE-kay-mai]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-REE-kay-mai (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• κεῖμαι (keimai): root verb meaning “to lie, be placed”
• Combined meaning: to lie around, encompass

D – Defining Meanings

• To be placed around
• To surround, encompass
• To wear, be clothed with

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “around” to κεῖμαι “to lie,” creating the sense of complete encirclement

Translation Options:

1. Be surrounded – Emphasizes passive state
2. Have around – Reflects possession
3. Be encompassed – Captures completeness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κεῖμαι [keimai, KAY-mai] – to lie, be placed
• ἐπίκειμαι [epikeimai, eh-PEE-kay-mai] – to lie upon
• σύγκειμαι [synkeimai, syn-KAY-mai] – to be composed of

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous state

Examples: is surrounded, are surrounded, being surrounded

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and metaphorical encompassing. Thayer’s notes its use in constraint contexts. LSJ provides examples from various contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual realities. Strong’s emphasizes complete surrounding. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“It would be better for him if a millstone were [hung around] his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)

Additional References:
Luke 17:2, Acts 28:20, Hebrews 5:2, 12:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίκειμαι powerfully illustrates both warning and encouragement in following King Jesus. From the severe warning about causing others to stumble to the encouraging cloud of witnesses surrounding us, this word reminds us that we are both accountable and supported in our spiritual journey.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient athletic contexts for spectators
2. Applied in military contexts for siege situations
3. Common in descriptions of ritual garments

Strong’s G4029: Compound verb expressing complete surrounding or encompassing. Used both for physical constraint and spiritual reality. Significant in contexts of warning against sin and encouragement in faith.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Encompassment #Witness #Warning #Encouragement #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Accountability #Spirituality #Community #Faith​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​