περιλείπω

I leave behind

Definition

The verb περιλείπω (perileipō) means 'to leave behind' or 'to remain over.' In its active voice, it signifies the act of leaving something or someone behind. In its passive voice, it takes on the sense of 'to be left behind' or 'to survive.' In the New Testament, its usage is exclusively passive, describing those who remain alive after others have died or been taken. This is vividly illustrated in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 and 4:17, where it refers to believers who are 'left behind' or 'remain' on earth at the time of Christ's return, in contrast to those who have already died in Christ.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both occurrences in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17). In this eschatological context, it describes the state of Christians who are still alive at the moment of the Lord's coming. It is used passively (περιλειπόμενοι) to form a specific group contrasted with 'the dead in Christ' who will rise first. The usage is highly specific, tied directly to Paul's teaching on the parousia (the second coming) and the resurrection.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around, concerning,' and the root verb λείπω (leipō), meaning 'to leave' or 'to lack.' The preposition περί can intensify the core meaning, giving περιλείπω a sense of 'leaving something over or remaining around.' Its meaning developed from the general idea of leaving a remnant or something remaining after a process of subtraction or departure.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to a key passage about the end times and the resurrection of believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, understanding περιλείπω clarifies the two groups Paul addresses: those who have died and those who remain alive at Christ's return. It corrects misunderstandings about the fate of deceased believers and offers comfort, emphasizing that all in Christ—whether 'left behind' on earth or asleep—will be united with the Lord. The term is foundational for discussions of the rapture and the parousia.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, concerns about the fate of the dead, especially within new religious movements, were common. Paul uses this specific term to address the Thessalonian church's anxiety about members who had died before Christ's expected return. The concept of being 'left behind' carried a neutral-to-negative connotation of being excluded from a great event. Paul redefines this, assuring those 'left behind' that they are not at a disadvantage but will, in fact, be caught up together with the resurrected dead to meet the Lord.

λείπω (leipō, G3007) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to leave' or 'to lack,' without the contextual nuance of 'remaining over.' ὑπολείπω (hypoleipō, G5275) — Also means 'to leave behind' or 'to remain,' often used for a remnant; it emphasizes what is left under or after an event. καταλείπω (kataleipō, G2641) — Means 'to leave behind,' often with a stronger sense of abandonment or forsaking; used more broadly than περιλείπω.

Word Details

Scripture References