περιπείρω
peripeírō
G4044 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pierce or run through completely; to transfix. The primary meaning involves the action of causing an object (typically a sharp instrument such as a spear, sword, or thorn) to go entirely through something. In figurative extension, it can mean to subject someone to intense distress or sorrow (as in being pierced with grief or pain).
Semantic Range
to pierce through, to transfix, to impale; to subject (oneself) to intense emotional or psychological distress (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
From the preposition περί (around, about) and the verb κείρω (to pierce, from the root of πέραν, to go through or across). The construction literally suggests 'to run through entirely, to pierce through.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
περιπείρω is extremely rare in extant Greek literature, attested only in very limited contexts. In the New Testament, it appears in 1 Timothy 6:10, referring metaphorically to the distress or pain experienced as a result of love of money—'have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.' The imagery employs the idea of being pierced through, thus highlighting the intensity and completeness of the suffering. Classical literature uses similar compounds (e.g., διαπείρω), but περιπείρω itself is virtually unattested outside early Christian writings. English translations traditionally render the term as 'pierce through' or 'transfix', but often interpret metaphorically. Care should be taken not to confuse the rare περιπείρω with the more common διαπείρω. The word does not carry a specific technical or theological nuance and is always used in contexts of thorough penetration, either literal or, more frequently in Koine, metaphorical (emotional or spiritual distress).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and the base of πέραν; to penetrate entirely, i.e. transfix (figuratively):--pierce through.
Root Family
περιπείρω (peripeirō) — to pierce through, to transfix, to penetrate entirely
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4044-01 |
περιέπειραν | periepeiran | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
pierced | they pierced through | they pierced through | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4044-01 |
1 Timothy 6:10 | περιέπειραν | periepeiran | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
pierced | they pierced through | they pierced through |