περιαιρέω

I strip off, cast off

Definition

περιαιρέω means to remove something completely, often with a sense of stripping it away from around something or someone. In a literal, physical sense, it describes the act of casting off or removing an object, such as casting off the anchors of a ship (Acts 27:20, 40). In a figurative, spiritual sense, it refers to the removal of a barrier or veil, as when the veil is taken away from a person's heart in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:16). Another usage denotes the perpetual, ineffective work of Old Testament priests who could never 'take away' sins (Hebrews 10:11), highlighting the insufficiency of the sacrificial system.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Acts) and epistolary (2 Corinthians, Hebrews) contexts. In Acts, it describes the desperate nautical actions of Paul's ship during a storm—first, the loss of all hope of being saved is described with the figurative sense of the stars being 'taken away' (Acts 27:20), and then the literal casting loose of the ship's anchors (Acts 27:40). In the epistles, it is used theologically: for the removal of spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 3:16) and for the ineffective removal of sin by repeated sacrifices (Hebrews 10:11).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' and the verb αἱρέω (haireō), meaning 'to take' or 'to seize.' The compound thus literally means 'to take away from around' something. This root idea of comprehensive removal shapes its usage for both physical objects and abstract impediments.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it contrasts human inability with divine action. In Hebrews 10:11, it underscores the critical limitation of the Old Covenant priesthood—they could never 'take away' sins—which points directly to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:16, it describes the transformative moment when someone turns to the Lord and the veil over their heart is 'taken away,' granting freedom and clarity to behold God's glory. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of these passages by highlighting the completeness of the removal Christ accomplishes.

In its nautical use in Acts, the term reflects common seafaring practices in the ancient Mediterranean. Casting off anchors or gear was a last-resort maneuver in a storm to lighten a ship or attempt to run it aground in a controlled way. This context makes the narrative vivid and underscores the peril faced by Paul and his companions.

αἴρω (airō, G142) — a more general term for 'to lift up' or 'take away,' without the comprehensive 'from around' nuance of περιαιρέω. ἀφαιρέω (aphaireō, G851) — means 'to take away' or 'remove,' often with a sense of cutting off or depriving, but lacks the specific 'peri-' (around) prefix.

Word Details

Scripture References