πέρας

a boundary, limit, an end

Definition

The Greek noun πέρας (peras) fundamentally means a boundary, limit, or end. In the New Testament, it can refer to a geographical extremity or limit, as in Romans 10:18 where Paul quotes Psalm 19:4 to say the gospel has gone out 'to the ends (πέρατα) of the earth,' meaning the farthest reaches. It also denotes a terminal point or conclusion, particularly in the context of an oath. In Hebrews 6:16, an oath is described as 'an end (πέρας) of all dispute,' signifying its final, settling authority. In the sayings of Jesus in Matthew 12:42 and Luke 11:31, the Queen of the South came 'from the ends (πέρατα) of the earth,' again emphasizing a distant boundary.

Biblical Usage

Πέρας is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, an epistle, and a sermon. In the Gospels (Matthew 12:42, Luke 11:31), it describes a distant geographical origin. In Paul's writing (Romans 10:18), it is used in a quotation from the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to poetically describe the global reach of divine revelation. In Hebrews 6:16, the usage shifts from spatial to conceptual, where an oath serves as the definitive 'end' or settlement of all argument. This shows the word's flexibility in describing both physical limits and abstract conclusions.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb περάω (peraō), meaning 'to pass through' or 'to cross over.' The noun πέρας thus denotes the point you cross to or the boundary you reach. It is related to the preposition πέραν (peran), meaning 'on the other side' or 'across.' This root sense of crossing to a terminus is consistent in its biblical usage for both spatial ends and final resolutions.

Semantic Range

This word enriches the understanding of God's sovereignty and the finality of His word. In Romans 10:18, 'the ends of the earth' underscores the universal scope of God's plan of salvation, affirming that the gospel message is for all people without geographical limit. In Hebrews 6:16, the use of πέρας for an oath highlights the absolute, binding nature of God's promises and covenants; His word is the ultimate boundary that ends all doubt. Understanding this Greek term helps readers see the concepts of divine authority, universal mission, and conclusive truth woven into the biblical text.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of a 'boundary' (πέρας) was deeply significant, often marked by physical stones or landmarks. Crossing a boundary without permission could be a serious transgression. The 'ends of the earth' was a common idiom for the most remote, known regions, reflecting a world-view where geography had definite, often mysterious, limits. An oath, as a 'limit' of dispute, carried immense social and legal weight, serving as an inviolable conclusion to conflict. This cultural weight makes the biblical usage more potent.

τέλος (telos, G5056) — emphasizes an end-goal, purpose, or consummation, whereas πέρας focuses more on a boundary or terminal point. ὅριον (horion, G3725) — specifically a border or frontier, a more concrete, surveyed boundary.

Word Details

Scripture References