Brief Overview of περικρατής (Strong’s G4031: perikrates)

Strong’s G4031: A compound adjective combining περί (around) and κράτος (strength/power), meaning “having full power over, having complete control.” Used in nautical contexts to describe securing control of a ship’s boat in dangerous conditions, symbolizing mastery over challenging circumstances.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περικρατής represents complete mastery or control over something. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the power of κράτος, creating a picture of total control or mastery. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Acts’ shipwreck narrative, describing the crew’s struggle to secure the lifeboat in a storm. The word carried significant meaning in maritime contexts, suggesting skillful control under difficult circumstances. Early church writers expanded its usage metaphorically to discuss spiritual mastery and control over temptations. Today, it reminds believers that through Christ, we can maintain control in life’s storms.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περικρατής, perikrates, [peh-ree-KRAH-tace]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-KRAH-tace (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• κράτος (kratos): root noun meaning “strength, power”
• -ης (-es): adjectival ending
• Combined meaning: having complete power over

D – Defining Meanings

• Having full control over
• Having mastery of
• Being able to secure firmly

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to κράτος “power,” creating the sense of total mastery or control

Translation Options:

1. Secure control – Emphasizes mastery
2. Get firm hold – Captures physical control
3. Master completely – Emphasizes thoroughness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐγκρατής [enkrates, en-KRAH-tace] – self-controlled
• ἀκρατής [akrates, ah-KRAH-tace] – without control
• παγκρατής [pankrates, pan-KRAH-tace] – all-powerful

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjectival Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Agreement: Modifies nouns with matching case, number, gender

Cross-references:

• περικρατέω (verb form) – to have complete power over

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its nautical usage. Thayer’s notes its meaning of mastery. LSJ provides examples from maritime contexts. Vine’s connects it to complete control. Strong’s emphasizes the thorough nature of the control. Moulton and Milligan document its technical use in shipping.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Running under the shelter of a small island called Cauda, we were scarcely able to [gain control of] the ship’s boat.” (Acts 27:16)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περικρατής powerfully illustrates our need for divine help in maintaining control during life’s storms. Just as the sailors struggled to secure their boat, we often struggle with circumstances beyond our control. Yet the good news of King Jesus reminds us that He is ultimately in control of every storm.

D – Did You Know?

1. Common term in ancient shipping manuals
2. Used in military contexts for battlefield control
3. Appeared in athletic contexts for maintaining grip in wrestling

Strong’s G4031: Compound adjective expressing complete control or mastery. Used specifically in nautical context of securing a ship’s boat in stormy conditions. Symbolizes maintaining control in challenging circumstances through skilled effort.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Control #Mastery #Maritime #Storms #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #Acts #Perseverance #Struggle #Victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​