περιτρέπω
peritrépō
G4062 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cause to turn around, to overturn; in figurative or extended use, to confound, disturb, or drive someone out of their mind, typically to the point of distraction, confusion, or madness. While the physical sense of turning or upsetting is embedded in the verb, it is most often used in a figurative sense to describe the effect of overwhelming someone so as to drive them into irrational or frenzied behavior.
Semantic Range
to turn around, to overturn (physically); to confound, to disorient; to drive someone mad, to make insane, to throw into confusion
Root / Etymology
From περί (around, about) and the root τρεπ- (to turn). The compound suggests the idea of 'turning around' or 'turning about,' often in the sense of causing confusion or mental disturbance. Related to the verb τρέπω (to turn, to turn one's attention); the prefix περί intensifies or localizes the action to encompass 'turning all around' or being thoroughly disturbed.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb περιτρέπω is rare in extant Greek literature. Its primary attested use is in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, with some evidence from later medical and philosophical writers referring to mental disturbance or derangement. In the New Testament (Acts 26:24), it is used by Festus to accuse Paul of being mentally deranged by much learning. The physical sense ('to turn about, to overturn') appears infrequently and often gives way to the figurative meaning ('to confound, to make mad, to drive someone into confusion or frenzy'). English Bible translations often render the term as 'beside oneself,' 'insane,' or 'mad,' but these may miss the nuance of being confounded or turned about mentally. The root is less about inherent madness and more about the act or result of being driven into a state of confusion or irrationality through an external agent or overwhelming circumstances.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and the base of τροπή; to turn around, i.e. (mentally) to craze:--+ make mad.
Root Family
περι- + τρεπ- (peritrépō) — to turn, to overturn, to confound, to drive mad
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4062-01 |
περιτρέπει | peritrepei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
is turning | is driving mad | is driving | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4062-01 |
Acts 26:24 | περιτρέπει | peritrepei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
is turning | is driving mad | is driving |