περίεργος
períergos
G4021 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily, 'meddlesome' or 'over-involved'—one who is unduly inquisitive or takes an inappropriate interest in things that do not concern them. In some contexts, refers to being 'busy with trifles,' 'over-scrupulous,' or 'interfering.' In neuter plural, can denote 'curious practices' or 'strange arts,' especially those considered secretive or magical.
Semantic Range
meddlesome, officious, overly inquisitive, busybody, over-scrupulous, engaged in trifling activities, practitioner of curious or magical arts (pl.), secretive or esoteric practices
Root / Etymology
From the preposition περί (around, about) and ἔργον (work, deed, activity), indicating someone who 'works around,' i.e., becomes involved in or interferes with matters beyond their rightful concern.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, περίεργος often describes someone who meddles in matters beyond what is appropriate, showcasing excessive curiosity or involvement (cf. Plato, Aristotle). It can carry a negative connotation, describing one as a 'busybody' or 'meddler.' In Hellenistic and Roman-era usage, especially in the New Testament (1 Timothy 5:13) and in Acts 19:19, the term in neuter plural (περίεργα) refers to esoteric or magical arts—activities considered secret, forbidden, or the object of unhealthy curiosity. The semantic shift from personal meddling to involvement with esoteric (often magical) practices appears in Jewish and broader Greco-Roman writings of the period. English translations such as 'busybody' often capture the personal/social aspect but do not fully represent the sense of involvement with 'magic arts' when used in specific plural contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and ἔργον; working all around, i.e. officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic):--busybody, curious arts.
Root Family
περίεργος (periergos) — meddlesome, overly busy, inquisitive, interfering, engaged in curious practices
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4021-01 |
περίεργα | perierga | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
magic books | curious practices | curious practices | 1 |
G4021-02 |
περίεργοι | periergoi | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
busybodies | meddlesome women | busybodies | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4021-01 |
Acts 19:19 | περίεργα | perierga | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
magic books | curious practices | curious practices |
G4021-02 |
1 Timothy 5:13 | περίεργοι | periergoi | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
busybodies | meddlesome women | busybodies |