G4049
περισπάω
to drag all around, i.e. (figuratively) to distract (with care)
Transliteration
perispáōPronunciation
(per-ee-spah'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to drag all around, i.e. (figuratively) to distract (with care)
περισπάω(perispáō)
Strong’s Definition
to drag all around, i.e. (figuratively) to distract (with care)
from G4012 (περί) and G4685 (σπάω);
“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G4049: A compound verb combining περί (around) and σπάω (to draw), meaning "to draw around, distract, be over-occupied." Used uniquely in Luke's account of Martha being distracted by many tasks, emphasizing how legitimate concerns can pull us away from focused devotion to Christ.
U- Unveiling the Word
Περισπάω represents distraction through over-occupation. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the drawing action of σπάω, creating a picture of being pulled in many directions. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in the Martha and Mary narrative, describing how household duties distracted Martha from sitting at Jesus's feet. The word carries deep theological significance about priorities in discipleship. Early church writers used it to discuss the tension between necessary tasks and spiritual focus. Today, it challenges believers to examine what draws them away from devoted attention to Christ.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words: The prefix περί adds "around" to σπάω "to draw," creating the sense of being drawn away in multiple directions
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
Verbal Features:
Examples: distract, distracts, distracted, distracting
S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes divided attention. Thayer's notes its continuous aspect. LSJ provides examples of being drawn away. Vine's connects it to excessive service. Strong's emphasizes being drawn around. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.
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T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
"But Martha was [distracted] with much serving, and she approached Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?'" (Luke 10:40)
Additional References:
None
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
Περισπάω powerfully illustrates how even good things can draw us away from the best thing - sitting at Jesus's feet. This promotes the good news of King Jesus by reminding us that authentic discipleship prioritizes relationship with Him above all activities, even legitimate service.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G4049: Compound verb expressing distraction through multiple concerns. Used specifically of Martha's over-occupation with service, teaching about priorities in discipleship. Emphasizes how legitimate duties can impede spiritual focus.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #Distraction #Priorities #Discipleship #Service #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #MarthaAndMary #Focus #Devotion #Busyness