Brief Overview of περιτέμνω (Strong’s G4059: peritemnō)

Strong’s G4059: A compound verb meaning “to cut around” or “to circumcise.” In biblical and Jewish contexts, refers to the ritual circumcision commanded by God as a sign of the covenant with Abraham. Carries deep theological significance in discussions of law, grace, and covenant identity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιτέμνω (peritemnō) is a compound verb that literally means “to cut around,” but primarily refers to the Jewish ritual of circumcision. Its significance extends beyond the physical act to represent covenant relationship with God, spiritual dedication, and identity as God’s people. In the New Testament, it becomes a focal point for discussions about salvation, faith versus works, and the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers. The early church used this term extensively in debates about Christian identity and requirements for Gentile converts. Today, it continues to inform discussions about the nature of Christian identity, spiritual transformation, and the relationship between old and new covenants.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιτέμνω, peritemnō, per-ee-tem’-no
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + ee (as in “see”) + tem (as in “them”) + no (as in “no”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri) – prefix meaning “around”
• τέμνω (temnō) – verb meaning “to cut”

D – Defining Meanings

• To circumcise
• To cut around
• To remove by cutting
• To mark as belonging to the covenant

For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates the action occurs “around”
Root τέμνω provides the basic meaning of cutting

Translation Options:

1. Circumcise – traditional religious/medical term
2. Cut around – literal translation
3. Mark with covenant sign – theological interpretation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατατέμνω (katatemno) [kat-at-em’-no] – to cut down or deeply
• ἀποτέμνω (apotemno) [ap-ot-em’-no] – to cut off completely
• διατέμνω (diatemno) [dee-at-em’-no] – to cut through

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:
Present Active: περιτέμνω (I circumcise)
Aorist Passive: περιετμήθην (I was circumcised)
Perfect Passive: περιτέτμημαι (I have been circumcised)

Cross-references:

• Noun: περιτομή (circumcision)
• Adjective: περίτμητος (circumcised)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and theological significance. Thayer’s notes its covenant implications. LSJ documents medical and religious uses. Vine’s connects it to spiritual application. Strong’s emphasizes the compound meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its technical usage in medical papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And on the eighth day they came to circumcise [περιτέμνω] the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father.” (Luke 1:59)

Additional References:
Luke 2:21
John 7:22
Acts 7:8
Acts 15:1
Acts 16:3
1 Corinthians 7:18
Galatians 2:3
Galatians 5:2
Galatians 6:13
Colossians 2:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιτέμνω represents the physical sign of God’s covenant with Abraham but points to a greater spiritual reality in Christ. The good news is that King Jesus fulfills the covenant promises, offering spiritual circumcision of the heart through faith. This transformation marks believers as God’s people not through external ritual but through internal regeneration by the Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient medical texts for various surgical procedures.
2. It became a key term in early church debates about Gentile inclusion.
3. The perfect tense form was used as a status designation in ancient documents.

Strong’s G4059: A compound verb combining “around” (περί) with “to cut” (τέμνω), primarily referring to circumcision. In biblical usage, represents both physical ritual and spiritual transformation, central to discussions of covenant identity and salvation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #circumcision #covenant #ritual #Law #grace #identity #JewishCustoms #NewCovenant #circumcisionOfHeart #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​