περιέρχομαι

I move about, make a circuit, tack

Definition

The verb περιέρχομαι (perierchomai) means 'to go around' or 'to move about' in a circuitous manner. In Acts 19:13, it describes itinerant Jewish exorcists 'going about' from place to place attempting to cast out demons. In a nautical context, as in Acts 28:13, it means 'to tack' or sail around a point, describing the ship's circuitous route to Rhegium. In 1 Timothy 5:13, it carries a negative connotation of idly 'going about' from house to house as a busybody. Finally, in Hebrews 11:37, it is used figuratively, describing persecuted faithful who 'wandered about' in deserts and mountains, homeless and destitute.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Acts), pastoral instruction (1 Timothy), and a summary of faith (Hebrews). In Acts, it describes physical movement, whether of people (Acts 19:13) or a ship (Acts 28:13). In 1 Timothy 5:13, it is used metaphorically to criticize idle, gossiping behavior. In Hebrews 11:37, it depicts the forced, wandering exile of the faithful. The usage shifts from neutral description of travel to negative social commentary and finally to a descriptor of suffering for faith.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' 'about,' or 'concerning,' and the common verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning 'to come' or 'to go.' Thus, its core meaning is 'to go around.' This construction emphasizes motion that is not direct or linear but involves circulation or traversal of an area.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, its usage in Hebrews 11:37 connects it to the theme of faithful endurance amid displacement and suffering. Understanding its range—from simple travel to aimless gossip to persecuted wandering—enriches reading by showing how the biblical authors used the same word to depict physical journey, social vice, and spiritual testimony. It subtly links the idle wandering warned against in 1 Timothy with the righteous wandering endured by heroes of faith.

In the ancient Mediterranean, 'going about' (περιέρχομαι) often described the activity of itinerant philosophers, teachers, or healers (like the exorcists in Acts 19:13). This was a recognized, sometimes suspicious, social role. The negative use in 1 Timothy 5:13 reflects concerns about women lacking stable household roles becoming gossips, a common cultural stereotype about idleness. The nautical usage reflects the reality of ancient sailing, where ships had to 'tack' against the wind.

πορεύομαι (poreuomai, G4198) — a more general term for traveling or going on a journey, without the circular connotation. περιπατέω (peripateō, G4043) — means 'to walk' or 'to live/conduct oneself,' focusing on manner of life rather than itinerant movement. πλανάω (planaō, G4105) — means 'to wander' or 'to go astray,' often with a sense of error or deception, unlike the more neutral physical movement of περιέρχομαι.

Word Details

Scripture References