περισπάω
perispáō
G4049 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pull away in various directions, to be distracted or drawn away from a central focus. In the literal sense, 'to drag around, to pull about'; in metaphorical usage, especially in later Greek and the New Testament, 'to be mentally distracted or troubled by many cares.' The core primary meaning is 'to be drawn or pulled away,' which—applied figuratively—refers to being preoccupied, distracted, or burdened by concerns.
Semantic Range
to pull or drag around, to draw away from something, to distract, to be mentally troubled or diverted by many cares, to be overburdened with duties
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition περί (around) and the verb σπάω (to draw, pull). The composite sense is 'to pull or drag around, to pull in different directions.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Appears sparsely in pre-Koine Greek. In classical usage, its literal sense ('to drag around') is infrequent; figurative use ('to be pulled or distracted') becomes more common in Hellenistic Greek, particularly in contexts involving mental stress or anxiety due to multiple responsibilities. In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 10:40), the word describes being distracted by duties, especially domestic or logistical concerns. English translations like 'cumbered' (KJV) or 'distracted' capture only part of the nuance: the idea is not just being busy, but being mentally pulled in multiple directions at once. Semantic overlap occurs with terms for anxiety (e.g., μεριμνάω) but περισπάω emphasizes the sensation of being pulled away from one's proper focus. The lack of a precise equivalent in English sometimes leads to translations that understate the sense of being divided or overwhelmed by care.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and σπάω; to drag all around, i.e. (figuratively) to distract (with care):--cumber.
Root Family
περισπάω (perispáō) — to draw around, to pull away, to be distracted
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4049-01 |
περιεσπᾶτο | periespato | V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG |
was distracted | was being pulled away | was being pulled away | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4049-01 |
Luke 10:40 | περιεσπᾶτο | periespato | V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG |
was distracted | was being pulled away | was being pulled away |