περιμένω

I wait for

Definition

The verb περιμένω means 'to wait for' or 'to await,' carrying the sense of waiting with expectation and patience for a specific person or event. It is formed from the preposition περί (around, about) and the verb μένω (to remain, abide), suggesting the idea of remaining in a state of readiness or staying around for something to happen. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 1:4, it specifically refers to the disciples waiting in Jerusalem for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. This waiting is not passive but involves obedient anticipation of a divine promise.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 1:4, where Jesus commands his apostles not to depart from Jerusalem but to 'wait for' (περιμένω) the promise of the Father, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Its usage is in a context of post-resurrection instruction, linking obedience to a specific location (Jerusalem) with the anticipation of a pivotal, promised divine event. The pattern is one of faithful, expectant waiting based on a direct command.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' 'about,' or 'concerning,' combined with the common verb μένω (menō), meaning 'to remain,' 'abide,' or 'stay.' The compound thus literally means 'to remain around' or 'to stay for.' This construction emphasizes a patient, enduring presence in anticipation of something. It is related to other μένω compounds like προσμένω (prosmenō, G4357 - to remain with) and ὑπομένω (hypomenō, G5278 - to endure, remain under).

Semantic Range

Though used only once, περιμένω is theologically significant as it captures the posture of the early church between Christ's ascension and Pentecost. It models obedient, expectant waiting on God's timing and the fulfillment of His promises. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that the disciples' waiting was not idle but was an active, commanded part of God's redemptive plan, foundational for the birth of the church. It connects the finished work of Christ to the empowering work of the Spirit.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, waiting was often a communal and location-bound activity, especially for significant events or the arrival of an important person. The command to 'wait' in Jerusalem would have been understood as a directive to stay together in the city, the center of Jewish religious life, anticipating a new act of God. This contrasts with a modern, individualistic notion of waiting, emphasizing instead corporate expectancy in a designated place of spiritual significance.

προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, G4327) — to receive to oneself, wait for, often with a sense of welcome or acceptance (e.g., waiting for the kingdom, Luke 23:51). ἀπεκδέχομαι (apekdechomai, G553) — to eagerly await or expect from a position of separation, often used for the future hope of believers (e.g., Romans 8:23). ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai, G1551) — to expect, wait for, a more general term for awaiting someone or something (e.g., Hebrews 10:13).

Word Details

Scripture References