περικυκλόω

I encircle, surround

Definition

The verb περικυκλόω means to completely encircle or surround something, often with a sense of being hemmed in or enclosed on all sides. It carries a strong connotation of a total and inescapable encirclement, as by a military force or a hostile crowd. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 19:43, it describes an enemy army surrounding and besieging a city, leading to its destruction. This specific usage aligns with the word's potential for depicting a situation of dire threat and impending judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 19:43. Jesus uses it prophetically, declaring to Jerusalem, 'For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side.' Here, περικυκλόω vividly portrays the complete military siege and encirclement of the city by Roman forces, which historically occurred in AD 70. The context is one of divine judgment and lament over the city's rejection of its Messiah.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' and the verb κυκλόω (kykloō), meaning 'to go around' or 'to encircle.' Κυκλόω itself is derived from κύκλος (kyklos), meaning 'circle' or 'ring.' Thus, περικυκλόω intensifies the base meaning to signify encircling thoroughly or on all sides. It is a vivid, descriptive term for a tight, encompassing surround.

Semantic Range

In Luke 19:43, περικυκλόω is theologically significant as part of Jesus's lament over Jerusalem. Its use underscores the severity and totality of the coming judgment as a direct consequence of the city's failure to recognize 'the time of [its] visitation' (Luke 19:44). The word paints a picture of inescapable consequences, moving the prophecy beyond a simple prediction to a powerful image of divine reckoning. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the deliberate, forceful language Jesus employs to warn of the tragic and complete siege that would befall the city.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of a city being completely surrounded (περικυκλόω) was a terrifying reality of warfare. A successful siege meant the city was cut off from supplies, escape, and reinforcement, often leading to famine, slaughter, or enslavement. Jesus's audience would have immediately understood the dire finality implied by this term. It was not a partial blockade but a total, suffocating encirclement that spelled almost certain doom for the inhabitants.

κυκλόω (kykloō, G2944) — The simpler root verb meaning to encircle or go around, without the intensive 'all-around' force of περικυκλόω. | περιέχω (periechō, G4023) — Means to encompass or contain, often in a more general or figurative sense, not exclusively military. | κυκλοῦν (kykloun) — A participial form of κυκλόω, used for surrounding or standing around.

Word Details

Scripture References