Brief Overview of περικυκλόω (Strong’s G4033: perikykloo)

Strong’s G4033: A compound verb combining περί (around) and κυκλόω (to encircle), meaning “to encircle completely, surround entirely.” Used in military contexts for siege operations, particularly in Jesus’s prophecy about Jerusalem’s destruction, emphasizing complete encirclement by enemy forces.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περικυκλόω represents complete military encirclement. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the circular action of κυκλόω, creating an image of total surrounding for siege purposes. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’s prophecy about Jerusalem’s destruction, describing the Roman army’s eventual encirclement of the city. The word carried deep significance in military contexts, suggesting inescapable siege conditions. Early church writers saw this as both historical fulfillment and a warning about spiritual preparation. Today, it reminds believers of both historical judgment and the importance of heeding divine warnings.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περικυκλόω, perikykloo, [peh-ree-koo-KLO-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-koo-KLO-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• κυκλόω (kykloo): root verb meaning “to circle”
• Combined meaning: to encircle completely

D – Defining Meanings

• To surround completely
• To encircle for siege
• To hem in from all sides

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to κυκλόω “to circle,” emphasizing total encirclement

Translation Options:

1. Surround completely – Emphasizes thoroughness
2. Encircle totally – Highlights military context
3. Besiege – Captures warfare application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κυκλόω [kykloo, koo-KLO-oh] – simple “to circle”
• κυκλεύω [kykleuo, koo-KLEW-oh] – to move in a circle
• συγκυκλόω [synkykloo, syn-koo-KLO-oh] – to encircle together

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Future
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples: surround completely, surrounds completely, surrounded completely

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its military usage. Thayer’s notes its siege context. LSJ provides examples from warfare. Vine’s connects it to divine judgment. Strong’s emphasizes complete encirclement. Moulton and Milligan document its technical military use.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For days will come upon you when your enemies will [surround you completely] with barricades and hem you in on every side.” (Luke 19:43)

Additional References:
Luke 21:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περικυκλόω powerfully illustrates both historical judgment and divine warning. Jesus used this word to prophesy Jerusalem’s fate, showing both His divine knowledge and merciful warning. It reminds us that the good news of King Jesus includes both warning of judgment and opportunity for repentance.

D – Did You Know?

1. Technical term in ancient siege warfare manuals
2. Used in describing Alexander’s famous siege tactics
3. Appeared in Jewish historical accounts of Jerusalem’s fall

Strong’s G4033: Compound verb expressing complete military encirclement. Used in prophecies of Jerusalem’s destruction by Roman forces. Technical term for siege warfare emphasizing total surrounding of a target.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Military #Siege #Prophecy #Jerusalem #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Judgment #Warning #History #Warfare​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​