Brief Overview of περίχωρος (Strong’s G4066: perichōros)

Strong’s G4066: A compound adjective used as a noun, meaning “surrounding region” or “neighboring country.” In biblical contexts, describes the geographical areas around significant locations where Jesus ministered and the gospel spread, emphasizing the expanding reach of God’s kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίχωρος (perichōros) fundamentally describes the surrounding or neighboring territory of a central location. In the New Testament, it appears in significant contexts describing the spread of Jesus’s ministry and the gospel’s influence beyond urban centers into surrounding regions. The geographical expansion it describes often parallels the spiritual expansion of God’s kingdom. Early church writers used this term to emphasize how the gospel message naturally spreads outward from centers of proclamation. Today, it reminds us of the expansive nature of God’s kingdom and our call to reach both cities and surrounding regions with the gospel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίχωρος, perichōros, per-ik’-o-ros
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + ik (as in “ick”) + o (as in “oh”) + ros (as in “rose”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective used substantively as a Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri) – prefix meaning “around”
• χώρα (chōra) – noun meaning “country” or “region”

D – Defining Meanings

• Surrounding region
• Neighboring territory
• Adjacent countryside
• Outlying areas
• Surrounding district

For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates position around something
Root χώρα provides the basic meaning of region or territory

Translation Options:

1. Surrounding region – emphasizes geographical relationship
2. Neighboring territory – captures proximity
3. Adjacent countryside – reflects rural connotation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χώρα (chōra) [kho’-rah] – country, region without the surrounding emphasis
• τόπος (topos) [top’-os] – place, location, more general
• ὅριον (horion) [hor’-ee-on] – boundary, territory with emphasis on borders

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective/Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Second Declension

Example forms:
Nominative singular: περίχωρος
Genitive singular: περιχώρου
Accusative plural: περιχώρους

Cross-references:

• Related verb: περιχωρέω (to go around)
• Related adjective: χώριος (of the country)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its geographical usage in describing ministry regions. Thayer’s notes its use in describing areas around cities. LSJ documents its administrative and geographical uses. Vine’s connects it to the spread of gospel influence. Strong’s emphasizes the circumjacent nature of the regions described. Moulton and Milligan note its use in describing administrative districts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region [περίχωρος] around the Jordan were going out to him.” (Matthew 3:5)

Additional References:
Matthew 14:35
Mark 1:28
Mark 6:55
Luke 3:3
Luke 4:14
Luke 4:37
Luke 7:17
Luke 8:37
Acts 14:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίχωρος beautifully illustrates the expanding influence of God’s kingdom. The good news of King Jesus spreads naturally from centers outward, reaching both cities and surrounding regions. This word reminds us that the gospel’s impact should not be confined to urban centers but should transform entire regions for Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient administrative documents to define tax districts.
2. Early Christian missionaries used it to plan evangelistic strategies.
3. The term influenced early church patterns of regional church planting.

Strong’s G4066: A compound word combining “around” (περί) with “region” (χώρα). Describes surrounding territories or neighboring regions. In biblical usage, often depicts areas where Jesus’s ministry and the gospel message spread, emphasizing kingdom expansion.

Part of speech: Adjective used as Noun

Tags: #geography #region #territory #ministry #expansion #gospel #mission #evangelism #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #kingdomGrowth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​