περιάγω

I lead about, go about

Definition

The verb περιάγω means to lead around, go about, or traverse from place to place. In the New Testament, it primarily describes the itinerant ministry of Jesus and his disciples as they traveled through towns and villages, teaching and healing (Matthew 4:23, 9:35). In a negative sense, it can denote going about with a purpose, as seen in Matthew 23:15 where the Pharisees 'travel over land and sea' to make a single convert. A unique usage occurs in Acts 13:11, where it describes a physical condition of being 'led about by the hand' after being struck blind.

Biblical Usage

Periagō is used six times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Acts. Its primary pattern is describing purposeful, extensive travel for ministry. In Matthew and Mark, it characterizes Jesus's active, circuit-based ministry of preaching and healing (Matthew 4:23, Mark 6:6). Matthew 23:15 uses it metaphorically to emphasize the strenuous efforts of the Pharisees. In Acts 13:11, it describes a physical helplessness (being led by hand), and in 1 Corinthians 9:5, it refers to the right of an apostle to be accompanied by a believing wife in his travels.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'about,' combined with the common verb ἄγω (agō), meaning 'I lead' or 'I bring.' It is a compound verb literally meaning 'to lead around.' This construction emphasizes motion that is circular, extensive, or covering a broad area, which fits its biblical usage of itinerant ministry or being taken from place to place.

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of the nature of Jesus's ministry and early Christian mission. It paints a picture of an active, purposeful, and mobile proclamation of the kingdom of God, not confined to a single location. The contrast between Jesus going about doing good (Matthew 4:23) and the Pharisees going about to make converts (Matthew 23:15) highlights the importance of motive in ministry. It also underscores the apostolic model of itinerant preaching and the sacrifices involved in spreading the gospel.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, travel was difficult and often dangerous. The term implies a significant and deliberate commitment. Philosophers, teachers, and religious figures sometimes traveled to disseminate their teachings, so the word would resonate with the image of a dedicated teacher on a mission. The action of 'being led about by the hand' (Acts 13:11) was a clear cultural sign of complete helplessness and dependency.

πορεύομαι (poreuomai, G4198) — a more general term for traveling or going on a journey. περιέρχομαι (perierchomai, G4022) — also means to go around or go about, with a stronger emphasis on the circular or surrounding motion, often used for wandering.

Word Details

Scripture References