Brief Overview of περίοικος (Strong’s G4040: perioikos)

Strong’s G4040: A compound adjective/noun combining περί (around) and οἶκος (house/dwelling), meaning “neighbor, one dwelling nearby.” Used in Luke to describe the community that shared in Elizabeth’s joy over John’s birth, emphasizing how God’s blessings affect entire neighborhoods.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίοικος represents community membership through physical proximity. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the household concept of οἶκος, creating a picture of those who share life through neighborhood proximity. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Luke’s Gospel, describing the neighbors who rejoiced with Elizabeth at John’s birth. The word carries significant social implications about community participation in God’s work. Early church writers used it to discuss both physical and spiritual neighborhood relationships. Today, it reminds us that God’s blessings are meant to be celebrated in community.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίοικος, perioikos, [peh-REE-oy-kos]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-REE-oy-kos (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective/Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• οἶκος (oikos): root noun meaning “house”
• -ος (-os): adjectival ending
• Combined meaning: one dwelling around

D – Defining Meanings

• Neighbor
• One dwelling nearby
• Fellow community member

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “around” to οἶκος “house,” creating the concept of neighboring households

Translation Options:

1. Neighbor – Common equivalent
2. Local resident – Geographic emphasis
3. Community member – Social emphasis

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γείτων [geiton, GAY-ton] – neighbor (more general)
• πάροικος [paroikos, PAR-oy-kos] – sojourner
• σύνοικος [synoikos, SYN-oy-kos] – housemate

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal/Adjectival Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: περίοικος
• Genitive: περιοίκου
• Dative: περιοίκῳ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes community relationships. Thayer’s notes its social context. LSJ provides examples from community life. Vine’s connects it to shared celebration. Strong’s emphasizes physical proximity. Moulton and Milligan document its use in community records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Her [neighbors] and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:58)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίοικος powerfully illustrates how God’s blessings are meant to be shared in community. The neighbors’ participation in Elizabeth’s joy shows that the good news of King Jesus creates celebration that spreads through entire communities, drawing people together in shared recognition of God’s work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient property documents to define boundaries
2. Important in early church house church formation
3. Influenced development of parish system concepts

Strong’s G4040: Compound word describing neighbors or community members who share life through physical proximity. Used to show how divine blessings affect and unite entire communities in celebration of God’s work.

Part of speech: Adjective/Noun

Tags: #Neighbors #Community #Celebration #Relationships #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #LukesGospel #Social #Blessing #SharedJoy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​