Brief Overview of περιπίπτω (Strong’s G4045: peripipto)

Strong’s G4045: A compound verb combining περί (around) and πίπτω (to fall), meaning “to fall into, encounter unexpectedly.” Used in contexts of encountering difficulties or troubles, particularly in narratives involving divine providence through challenging circumstances.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιπίπτω represents unexpected encounters or falling into circumstances. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the falling action of πίπτω, creating a picture of being completely surrounded by circumstances beyond one’s control. In the New Testament, it appears in three significant contexts: the Good Samaritan parable (falling among robbers), Paul’s shipwreck (falling into danger), and James’s teaching about trials. The word carries deep theological significance about God’s sovereignty in seemingly random events. Early church writers used it to discuss both divine providence and human vulnerability. Today, it reminds believers that even unexpected difficulties serve God’s purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιπίπτω, peripipto, [peh-ree-PIP-toh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-PIP-toh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• πίπτω (pipto): root verb meaning “to fall”
• Combined meaning: to fall into completely

D – Defining Meanings

• To fall among
• To encounter unexpectedly
• To be surrounded by circumstances

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to πίπτω “to fall,” emphasizing total involvement in the situation

Translation Options:

1. Fall into – Literal translation
2. Encounter – Metaphorical emphasis
3. Meet with – Common equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐμπίπτω [empipto, em-PIP-toh] – to fall into
• συμπίπτω [sympipto, sim-PIP-toh] – to fall together
• καταπίπτω [katapipto, ka-ta-PIP-toh] – to fall down

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Aorist, Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle, Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar or ongoing

Examples: fall into, falls into, fell into, falling into

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes unexpected encounters. Thayer’s notes its use with difficulties. LSJ provides examples of circumstances. Vine’s connects it to providence. Strong’s emphasizes complete surrounding. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and [fell among] robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.” (Luke 10:30)

Additional References:
Acts 27:41, James 1:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιπίπτω powerfully illustrates how God works through unexpected circumstances. Whether falling among robbers, encountering storms, or facing trials, the good news of King Jesus assures us that no situation falls outside His sovereign care and redemptive purpose.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient maritime texts for ship disasters
2. Common in medical writings for disease onset
3. Appeared in military accounts of ambushes

Strong’s G4045: Compound verb expressing unexpected encounters or falling into circumstances. Used in contexts of divine providence through difficulties. Emphasizes complete involvement in situations beyond human control.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Providence #Trials #Circumstances #Divine Plan #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Suffering #Sovereignty #Unexpected #Trust​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​