περιβλέπομαι

I look around on, survey

Definition

The verb περιβλέπομαι means to look around, survey, or gaze about. It often describes a deliberate, searching glance, not just a casual look. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this action to visually engage with his surroundings or to make eye contact with individuals before speaking or acting, as seen when he looks around at the Pharisees in anger and grief in Mark 3:5. In other instances, it describes a more general surveying of a crowd, such as in Mark 3:34 when Jesus looks at those seated around him. The word can also imply a look of intensity or purpose, as when Jesus looks around to see who touched him in Mark 5:32.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Gospels of Mark (6 times) and Luke (1 time). It consistently appears in narrative passages describing Jesus's actions. The contexts often involve moments of teaching, healing, or significant pronouncement, where Jesus's visual engagement precedes a key statement or miracle. For example, in Mark 10:23, Jesus looks around at his disciples before teaching about wealth, and in Luke 6:10, he looks around at all present before healing a man's hand. The pattern shows the word marks a moment of intentional observation and connection.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' 'about,' or 'concerning,' and the verb βλέπω (blepō), meaning 'to look,' 'see,' or 'perceive.' It is a middle/passive deponent verb (blepomai). The compound form intensifies the root meaning to indicate a comprehensive or circular visual scan of one's environment.

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of Jesus's intentionality and engagement. His act of 'looking around' is not passive; it often precedes a moment of teaching, judgment, compassion, or revelation. It highlights his attentiveness to individuals within a crowd (Mark 5:32) and his direct, personal address to his disciples or opponents. Understanding this deliberate visual action deepens the narrative drama and underscores that Jesus's words and miracles are delivered with full awareness of his audience and context.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, direct eye contact and a deliberate gaze carried significant weight, often associated with authority, scrutiny, or establishing a personal connection. Jesus's action of 'looking around' would have been understood as a powerful, non-verbal cue commanding attention and signaling that an important statement or action was to follow, differing from a modern casual glance.

βλέπω (blepō, G991) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to see' or 'look at,' without the connotation of looking all around. θεωρέω (theōreō, G2334) — Often means to observe, contemplate, or perceive, sometimes with a more prolonged or thoughtful gaze than a quick survey. ἐμβλέπω (emblepō, G1689) — Means to look intently at, gaze into, or fix one's eyes upon, suggesting a more focused look than a general survey.

Word Details

Scripture References