περίεργος

a busybody, curious, magical

Definition

The adjective περίεργος describes someone who is overly busy or meddlesome in the affairs of others, essentially a 'busybody.' In 1 Timothy 5:13, it characterizes young widows who go from house to house, being idle and gossiping, thus interfering where they do not belong. In a different sense, when applied to things, it refers to objects or practices that are 'curious,' 'superfluous,' or associated with the occult. This is seen in Acts 19:19, where practitioners of 'curious arts' (περίεργα) burned their valuable magic scrolls, indicating practices considered spiritually dangerous and outside proper religious bounds.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts that illustrate its dual meaning. In Acts 19:19, it describes the 'curious arts' or magical practices renounced by new believers in Ephesus. In 1 Timothy 5:13, it is used behaviorally to criticize idlers who become 'busybodies,' meddling in others' lives instead of managing their own. The pattern shows it can describe both objectionable supernatural practices and intrusive, gossipy social behavior.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'about,' and the root related to ἔργον (ergon), meaning 'work.' Literally, it means 'working around' or 'being busy about' things. This core idea developed negatively to mean being occupied with matters that are beyond one's proper scope—either prying into others' business or dabbling in forbidden, supernatural arts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights two key areas of Christian ethics: personal conduct and spiritual purity. It warns against the sin of gossip and meddling (1 Timothy 5:13), which disrupts community harmony. It also starkly contrasts genuine faith with superstitious or occult practices (Acts 19:19), marking a clear boundary for believers. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by showing that idle curiosity, whether in social or spiritual matters, is spiritually hazardous and contrary to a life focused on godly work.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'curious arts' (περίεργα) referred to a wide range of common magical practices, spells, and incantations used for protection, healing, or cursing. Ephesus was particularly known as a center for such magic. The term 'busybody' reflects a social concern in ancient communities where gossip and meddling could damage reputations and social order. The modern idea of 'curiosity' is often positive, but in this context, it carried a strongly negative connotation of unhealthy intrusion.

φλύαρος (phlyaros, G5397) — denotes a gossip or babbler, focusing on foolish talk rather than the intrusive action implied by περίεργος. ἀλλότριος ἐπίσκοπος (allotrios episkopos, G244/1985) — a 'meddler in other men's matters' (1 Peter 4:15), a near conceptual synonym for the 'busybody' sense.

Word Details

Scripture References