περιούσιος
perioúsios
G4041 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the quality of being one's own; belonging exclusively or especially to someone; special or set apart. In specific contexts, denotes possession, select status or a treasured position within a group, often with the sense of being chosen, unique, or specially valued. Used in Koine Greek to translate the Hebrew term for 'special possession' or 'treasured people,' especially in reference to the status of a people uniquely associated with a deity.
Semantic Range
one's own, belonging exclusively, special, specially chosen, prized, select, treasured possession
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition περί (around, concerning) and the verb εἰμί (to be), literally 'that which is around belonging to,' i.e., 'that which is one's own' or 'exclusive property.' Derived from classical Greek elements but the adjective itself is rare and primarily attested in later Jewish-Greek texts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
περιούσιος is a rare term in Greek literature, occurring notably in the Septuagint (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2, 26:18) where it translates the Hebrew סְגֻלָּה (segullah), meaning 'treasured possession' or 'special property.' In these contexts, it describes the unique status of the Israelites as a people set apart for YHWH. Outside Jewish-Greek writings, the term is almost unattested, and in later Christian literature, it is used to express the idea of a people or thing uniquely belonging to God. In traditional English translations, 'peculiar' or 'special' are used, but 'peculiar' has shifted in meaning since the early modern period and may mislead modern readers; 'treasured,' 'chosen,' or 'special possession' better convey the nuance of exclusive belonging and select status. The word does not convey strangeness or oddity, but rather preciousness and exclusivity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the present participle feminine of a compound of 4012 and εἰμί; being beyond usual, i.e. special (one's own):--peculiar.
Root Family
περιούσιος (periousios) — one's own, belonging exclusively, special, select, treasured possession
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4041-01 |
περιούσιον | periousion | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
for his own possession | specially possessed | for his own possession | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4041-01 |
Titus 2:14 | περιούσιον | periousion | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
for his own possession | specially possessed | for his own possession |