περ
per
G4007
SILEX Entry
Definition
An enclitic particle used to intensify or emphasize another word, indicating indefiniteness, abundance, or generalization. Often imparts the sense of 'any,' 'every,' 'whoever,' or 'whatever' with an added nuance of thoroughness or unrestricted scope, especially in indefinite or relative constructions. Has no independent lexical meaning but modifies a pronoun or adjective to signal a heightened degree or inclusivity.
Semantic Range
intensifying particle, generalizing particle, indicating abundance, emphasis, unrestricted scope, 'any,' 'whoever,' 'indeed,' 'very,' 'ever',' whatever'
Root / Etymology
Related to πέραν ('beyond,' 'across'), but as a particle, περ is an enclitic of intensification or specification. Derivation as a particle is independent of its prepositional origins, and its use is ancient in Greek. Functions as a postpositional particle attached to pronouns, adverbs, or conjunctions.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Koine Greek, περ occurs frequently after relative, interrogative, or indefinite pronouns (e.g., ὅς περ, ὅστις περ) or conjunctions to add emphasis, often rendering phrases as 'whosoever,' 'whatsoever,' or 'wherever,' but with a stronger sense of inclusiveness or emphasis than a simple pronoun. The particle itself does not carry lexical content but modifies the nuance of the syntagm. When compounded (e.g., εἴ τις περ, 'if indeed anyone'), περ strengthens the generalizing or intensive force. It appears regularly in idiomatic expressions (e.g., ὅπου περ, 'wherever'). Standard English translations often fail to capture the full emphatic or generalizing nuance that περ adds; its effect is sometimes left untranslated or rendered as 'whatever,' 'whoever,' 'very,' or 'indeed.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of πέραν; an enclitic particle significant of abundance (thoroughness), i.e. emphasis; much, very or ever:--(whom-)soever.
Root Family
περ (per) — intensify, emphasize, generalize, specify thoroughly
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.