Brief Overview of περίψημα (Strong’s G4067: peripsēma)

Strong’s G4067: A noun derived from περιψάω (to wipe off all around), meaning “scrapings” or “refuse.” In biblical and cultural contexts, refers to that which is wiped away or discarded, often used metaphorically for people considered worthless by society. Carries deep significance in Christian self-sacrifice.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίψημα (peripsēma) carries profound theological significance in its humble meaning. Originally referring to dirt or filth scraped off, it came to describe people considered worthless or expendable by society. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe apostolic ministry, highlighting how Christ’s servants are often viewed as society’s refuse while actually serving as its cleansing agents. Early church writers embraced this term to describe Christian humility and sacrificial service. Today, it powerfully illustrates how God uses the despised things of the world to accomplish His purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίψημα, peripsēma, per-ip’-say-mah
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + ip (as in “tip”) + say (as in “say”) + mah (as in “ma”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri) – prefix meaning “around”
• ψάω (psaō) – verb meaning “to rub” or “to wipe”
• -μα (-ma) – suffix forming noun from verb action

D – Defining Meanings

• Scrapings, refuse
• That which is wiped away
• Offscouring
• One considered worthless
• Sacrificial victim

For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates complete or thorough action
Root ψάω provides the basic meaning of wiping or cleaning
Suffix -μα indicates the result of the action

Translation Options:

1. Offscouring – captures both literal and metaphorical meanings
2. Refuse – emphasizes social rejection
3. Scapegoat – reflects sacrificial aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκύβαλον (skybalon) [skoo’-bal-on] – dung, refuse, more vulgar
• κάθαρμα (katharma) [kath’-ar-mah] – that which is cleaned away
• ἀπόβλητος (apoblētos) [ap-ob’-lay-tos] – cast away, rejected

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Third Declension

Example forms:
Nominative singular: περίψημα
Genitive singular: περιψήματος
Dative plural: περιψήμασι

Cross-references:

• Verb: περιψάω (to wipe around)
• Adjective: περίψητος (wiped clean)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing social outcasts. Thayer’s notes its connection to ancient purification rituals. LSJ documents its use in describing sacrificial victims. Vine’s connects it to apostolic suffering. Strong’s emphasizes the thorough nature of the removal implied. Moulton and Milligan note its use in describing social status.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse [περίψημα] of all things.” (1 Corinthians 4:13)

Additional References:
[This is the only occurrence in the New Testament]

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίψημα powerfully illustrates how the gospel transforms worldly values. The good news of King Jesus exalts those whom society discards, making the “refuse” into royal servants. This word reminds us that true greatness in God’s kingdom often comes through embracing humility and sacrificial service, following the pattern of Christ who became “despised and rejected” for our sake.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient purification rituals describing sacrificial victims.
2. Early Christians used it as a term of humility in letter closings.
3. Influenced development of Christian servant leadership concepts.

Strong’s G4067: A noun describing that which is thoroughly wiped away or discarded. Used metaphorically for people considered worthless by society. In Christian context, illustrates how God uses the despised to accomplish His purposes through sacrificial service.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #sacrifice #humility #service #rejection #apostolic #ministry #suffering #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #leadership #transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​