εὐπερίστατος
euperístatos
G2139 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Easily encircling or easily surrounding; used metaphorically of something that surrounds or entangles a person readily, as an obstacle or impediment. The core meaning is 'readily encircling' or 'apt to surround on all sides.' In extended usage, it can refer to anything that besets, hinders, or entraps a person—especially traits, circumstances, or, in New Testament context, sinful tendencies—by surrounding them so as to make escape or movement difficult.
Semantic Range
easily encircling, readily surrounding, apt to entangle or hinder, easily besetting (figurative of obstacles or sin)
Root / Etymology
Compound from εὖ ('well, easily'), περί ('around'), and ἵστημι ('to stand'). The formation literally means 'well standing around' or 'easily standing around.' No known pre-Christian usage; rare in Greek literature.
Historical & Contextual Notes
This adjective is a highly uncommon, perhaps unique formation: it occurs only in Hebrews 12:1 in extant Greek literature. There, τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν (the readily surrounding sin) uses the term to describe sin as an obstacle that easily surrounds or entangles, drawing a figure from athletic competition—such as a runner being hindered by something encircling the course or obstructing their movement. English translations have tended to render the phrase with interpretive glosses such as 'the sin which so easily besets' or 'the sin that clings so closely', but the underlying metaphor is of something encircling or hemming in from all directions. Because of its linguistic rarity, the interpretation is strongly tethered to the context rather than attested usage elsewhere in Greek. The related verb περιΐστημι (to stand around, to avoid, to circumvent) and adjective περίστατος (standing around, encircling) help clarify the spatial idea of something forming an enclosing presence. The word is best understood as highlighting the ease with which certain things (here, sin) can envelop or entrap a person, rather than only 'besetting' in the sense of mere opposition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and a derivative of a presumed compound of περί and ἵστημι; well standing around, i.e. (a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction (figuratively, of sin in genitive case):--which doth so easily beset.
Root Family
εὐπερίστατος (euperistatos) — easily encircling, readily surrounding, apt to entangle or hinder
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2139-01 |
εὐπερίστατον | euperistaton | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
that clings so closely | easily encircling | easily entangling | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2139-01 |
Hebrews 12:1 | εὐπερίστατον | euperistaton | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
that clings so closely | easily encircling | easily entangling |