Brief Overview of περιποιέω (Strong’s G4046: peripoieo)

Strong’s G4046: A compound verb combining περί (around) and ποιέω (to make/do), meaning “to acquire for oneself, to purchase, to preserve.” Used particularly of Christ’s purchase of the church with His blood and God’s preservation of His people, emphasizing divine ownership and protection.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιποιέω represents both acquisition and preservation. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the making/doing of ποιέω, creating a picture of complete acquisition or preservation for oneself. In the New Testament, it appears primarily in the context of Christ’s redemption of the church through His blood. The word carries profound theological significance about divine ownership and preservation. Early church writers used it to discuss both Christ’s purchase of believers and God’s ongoing protection of His people. Today, it reminds believers of both their redemption cost and their secure position in Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιποιέω, peripoieo, [peh-ree-poy-EH-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-poy-EH-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• ποιέω (poieo): root verb meaning “to make/do”
• Combined meaning: to make/do completely for oneself

D – Defining Meanings

• To acquire for oneself
• To purchase
• To preserve, save

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to ποιέω “to make/do,” emphasizing thorough acquisition

Translation Options:

1. Purchase – Emphasizes acquisition
2. Preserve – Emphasizes protection
3. Obtain – General meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κτάομαι [ktaomai, KTAH-oh-mai] – to acquire
• ἀγοράζω [agorazo, ah-go-RAH-zo] – to buy
• σώζω [sozo, SO-zo] – to save

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Aorist, Middle
• Voice: Middle
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples: acquire, acquires, acquired, acquiring

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes acquisition through purchase. Thayer’s notes its redemptive context. LSJ provides examples of preservation. Vine’s connects it to church ownership. Strong’s emphasizes making something one’s own. Moulton and Milligan document its commercial use.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He [purchased] with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

Additional References:
1 Timothy 3:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιποιέω powerfully illustrates Christ’s redemptive work. The price He paid to acquire His church demonstrates His great love, while the ongoing preservation shows His faithful care. This promotes the good news by emphasizing both the cost of our salvation and the security of our position in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient commercial documents for property acquisition
2. Applied in military contexts for preserving troops
3. Significant in early church’s understanding of redemption

Strong’s G4046: Compound verb expressing both acquisition and preservation. Used particularly of Christ’s purchase of the church and God’s preservation of His people. Emphasizes both redemptive cost and divine protection.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Redemption #Church #Purchase #Preservation #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Salvation #Protection #Divine Ownership #Security​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​