περιούσιος

costly, specially chosen

Definition

The adjective περιούσιος describes something as being of surpassing value, specially selected, or set apart as a treasured possession. It carries the sense of being 'peculiarly one's own,' implying both great worth and a special, intimate relationship of ownership. In its single New Testament occurrence in Titus 2:14, it is used to describe the people of God, whom Christ redeemed to be His own 'special' or 'treasured' people. This meaning aligns with the Septuagint's use of the term to translate the Hebrew concept of a 'segullah'—a prized, personal possession of a king or deity, as seen in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Titus 2:14, where it describes believers as the people of God. The context is Christ's redemptive work to purify for Himself a people who are His own 'special possession' (περιούσιος λαός). This singular usage directly connects the New Testament church to the identity of Israel as God's chosen people in the Old Testament, applying covenantal language to the community of the redeemed.

Etymology

Derived from περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'beyond,' and the root of ουσία (ousia), meaning 'substance,' 'being,' or 'property.' A literal sense is 'that which is over and above,' implying abundance and surpassing value. It came to signify something set apart as a prized personal possession, moving from a sense of 'extraordinary' to 'specially chosen.'

Semantic Range

This word is profoundly theological, anchoring the identity of the church in the covenant love of God. It teaches that believers are not merely saved individuals but are collectively Christ's treasured and exclusive possession, purchased by His blood (Titus 2:14). This connects the New Testament church directly to the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's 'special treasure' (Exodus 19:5), emphasizing continuity in God's redemptive plan and the high value He places on His people.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term could describe the private, personal wealth of a king, distinct from the public treasury. Its deeper resonance comes from its use in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) to translate the Hebrew 'segullah,' a term for a king's most valued, personal possession. This cultural and scriptural background infuses the word with rich covenantal meaning, portraying God's people as His own royal treasure.

ἐκλεκτός (eklektos, G1588) — emphasizes being chosen or elected, while περιούσιος emphasizes being a treasured possession. ἀγαπητός (agapētos, G27) — emphasizes being beloved, while περιούσιος emphasizes the status of being a valued possession.

Word Details

Scripture References