Brief Overview of περιπείρω (Strong’s G4044: peripeiro)
Strong’s G4044: A compound verb combining περί (through) and πείρω (to pierce), meaning “to pierce through completely.” Used metaphorically in 1 Timothy to describe self-inflicted spiritual wounds from love of money, emphasizing the comprehensive damage of greed.
U- Unveiling the Word
Περιπείρω represents complete penetration or piercing through. As a compound word, it combines the thorough aspect of περί with the piercing action of πείρω, creating a vivid image of self-inflicted spiritual wounds. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in 1 Timothy, describing how people harm themselves through greed. The word carries profound theological significance in showing the self-destructive nature of loving money more than God. Early church writers used it to discuss various forms of spiritual self-harm through misplaced desires. Today, it warns believers about the comprehensive damage of materialism to spiritual life.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: περιπείρω, peripeiro, [peh-ree-PAY-roh]
- Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-PAY-roh (stress on third syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- περί (peri-): prefix meaning “through, completely”
- πείρω (peiro): root verb meaning “to pierce”
- Combined meaning: to pierce through completely
D – Defining Meanings
- To pierce through completely
- To impale oneself
- To wound thoroughly
For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to πείρω “to pierce,” emphasizing thorough penetration
Translation Options:
- Pierce through – Literal translation
- Wound deeply – Metaphorical emphasis
- Impale – Intensive meaning
E – Exploring Similar Words
- διαπείρω [diapeiro, dee-ah-PAY-roh] – to pierce through
- κεντέω [kenteo, ken-TEH-oh] – to prick, sting
- νύσσω [nysso, NEES-so] – to pierce, strike
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verbal Features:
- Tense: Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative
- Person: Third
- Number: Plural
- Aspect: Punctiliar
Examples: pierce, pierces, pierced, piercing
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its intensive meaning. LSJ provides examples from physical contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual self-harm. Strong’s emphasizes complete penetration. Moulton and Milligan document its violent implications.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and [pierced themselves through] with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Additional References:
None
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Homer: Iliad | “The spear [pierced through] his shield” |
| Xenophon: Anabasis | “They [impaled] themselves on their own weapons” |
| Plutarch: Lives | “The sword [pierced completely] through” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Περιπείρω powerfully illustrates the self-destructive nature of greed. By showing how love of money pierces through the soul, it promotes the good news of King Jesus by warning against materialism and pointing to true riches in Christ.
D – Did You Know?
- Used in ancient medical texts for fatal wounds
- Applied in military contexts for impalement
- Became metaphor in early Christian teaching about materialism
Strong’s G4044: Compound verb expressing complete piercing or penetration. Used metaphorically for spiritual self-harm through greed. Emphasizes the comprehensive damage caused by love of money over God.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #Greed #Materialism #SpiritualHarm #Warning #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Money #Faith #Self-destruction #PastoralEpistles
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
