Brief Overview of περιφέρω (Strong’s G4064: peripherō)
Strong’s G4064: A compound verb meaning “to carry around” or “to bear about.” In biblical contexts, used both literally for carrying sick people to Jesus and metaphorically for being carried about by various teachings. Reflects both physical movement and spiritual/doctrinal stability.
U- Unveiling the Word
Περιφέρω (peripherō) combines the concepts of comprehensive movement and purposeful carrying. Its primary meaning of “carrying around” appears in both physical contexts (bringing the sick to Jesus) and metaphorical ones (being carried about by teaching). In the New Testament, it illustrates both positive actions of bringing people to Christ and negative warnings about doctrinal instability. Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss the spread of the gospel and the danger of false teaching. Today, it reminds us of our responsibility to both bring others to Christ and maintain doctrinal stability.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: περιφέρω, peripherō, per-ee-fer’-o
- Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + ee (as in “see”) + fer (as in “fair”) + o (as in “oh”)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- περί (peri) – prefix meaning “around”
- φέρω (pherō) – verb meaning “to carry” or “to bear”
D – Defining Meanings
- To carry around
- To bear about
- To transport in various directions
- To be carried about (metaphorically)
- To convey from place to place
For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates movement around or in various directions
Root φέρω provides the basic meaning of carrying
Translation Options:
- Carry around – emphasizes physical movement
- Bear about – captures both physical and metaphorical meanings
- Transport about – stresses purposeful movement
E – Exploring Similar Words
- διαφέρω (diapherō) [dee-af-er’-o] – to carry through, differ
- μεταφέρω (metapherō) [met-af-er’-o] – to transfer, carry over
- συμφέρω (sympherō) [soom-fer’-o] – to bring together
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb Features:
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Participle
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
Example conjugations:
Present Active: περιφέρω (I carry around)
Present Passive: περιφέρομαι (I am carried around)
Aorist Active: περιήνεγκα (I carried around)
Cross-references:
- Noun: περιφορά (carrying around)
- Participle: περιφερόμενος (being carried around)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its application to physical and spiritual movement. LSJ documents various uses in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to both helping others and doctrinal instability. Strong’s emphasizes the thoroughness implied by the compound form. Moulton and Milligan note its use in everyday transportation contexts.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“And ran about the whole region and began to carry [περιφέρω] sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was.” (Mark 6:55)
Additional References:
2 Corinthians 4:10
Ephesians 4:14
Hebrews 13:9
Jude 1:12
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Plato: Republic | “The philosophers carried about [περιφέρω] their teachings to all who would listen.” |
| Xenophon: Memorabilia | “Servants carried [περιφέρω] food around to the guests.” |
| Hippocrates: On Medicine | “The physicians carried [περιφέρω] their remedies throughout the city.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Περιφέρω beautifully illustrates two aspects of Christian life: the active bringing of others to Jesus and the need for stability in truth. The good news of King Jesus motivates us to carry others to Him while remaining firmly grounded in His teaching. This dual meaning challenges us to be both active in ministry and stable in faith.
D – Did You Know?
- Used in ancient medical texts for mobile healthcare delivery.
- Appeared in philosophical writings about the spread of ideas.
- Early Christians used it to describe their missionary journeys.
Strong’s G4064: A compound verb combining “around” (περί) with “to carry” (φέρω). Used both literally for bringing people to Jesus and metaphorically regarding doctrinal stability. Illustrates both active ministry and spiritual steadfastness.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #carrying #ministry #doctrine #stability #healing #teaching #Jesus #gospel #mission #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #faith
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.
