Brief Overview of περιοικέω (Strong’s G4039: perioikeo)

Strong’s G4039: A compound verb combining περί (around) and οἰκέω (to dwell), meaning “to dwell around, live in the neighborhood.” Used specifically in Luke to describe how news of God’s acts spread through local communities, emphasizing the social impact of divine intervention.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιοικέω represents established community dwelling. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the dwelling concept of οἰκέω, creating a picture of settled neighborhood life. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Luke’s Gospel, describing how local communities responded to the miraculous events surrounding John the Baptist’s birth. The word carries significant social implications about how divine acts affect entire communities. Early church writers used it to discuss both local community impact and the spread of gospel influence. Today, it reminds us that God’s work affects not just individuals but entire communities.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιοικέω, perioikeo, [peh-ree-oy-KEH-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-oy-KEH-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• οἰκέω (oikeo): root verb meaning “to dwell”
• Combined meaning: to dwell in the surrounding area

D – Defining Meanings

• To dwell around
• To live in the neighborhood
• To inhabit surrounding areas

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “around” to οἰκέω “to dwell,” creating the sense of neighborhood dwelling

Translation Options:

1. Live nearby – Modern equivalent
2. Dwell around – Literal translation
3. Neighbor – Functional equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατοικέω [katoikeo, kat-oy-KEH-oh] – to settle down
• συνοικέω [synoikeo, syn-oy-KEH-oh] – to live together
• παροικέω [paroikeo, par-oy-KEH-oh] – to sojourn

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present participle
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples: dwell around, dwells around, dwelling around

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes community context. Thayer’s notes its social implications. LSJ provides examples from settled communities. Vine’s connects it to gospel spread. Strong’s emphasizes neighborhood dwelling. Moulton and Milligan document its use in community records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And fear came on all who [lived around] them. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea.” (Luke 1:65)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιοικέω powerfully illustrates how God’s work affects entire communities. When divine acts occur, the impact ripples through neighborhoods and regions. This promotes the good news of King Jesus by reminding us that salvation isn’t just individual but has community-wide implications.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient city planning documents
2. Applied in census records for neighborhood designation
3. Important in early church community formation strategies

Strong’s G4039: Compound verb expressing established community dwelling. Used to describe how divine acts affect entire neighborhoods. Emphasizes the social and communal impact of God’s work in local contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Community #Neighborhood #Social #Impact #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Gospel #Witness #LukesGospel #Divine Acts​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​