περιπείρω

I pierce through

Definition

The verb περιπείρω (peripeirō) literally means 'to pierce through' or 'to put on a spit,' evoking the image of skewering something. In its only New Testament occurrence, it is used metaphorically to describe a profound, piercing emotional or spiritual wound. This metaphorical sense conveys the idea of being deeply and painfully afflicted, as if pierced by sharp grief or regret. The word captures a more intense and penetrating form of suffering than a superficial wound.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 6:10. In this context, the Apostle Paul writes that 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils,' and that some, 'craving it, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves (περιέπειραν) with many griefs.' Here, the verb powerfully describes the self-inflicted, deep spiritual anguish and regret that result from the pursuit of wealth at the expense of faith.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'through,' and the root verb πείρω (peirō), meaning 'to pierce' or 'to run through.' The prefix περί intensifies the action, giving the sense of piercing through completely or all around. Cognates include the simpler verb νύσσω (nyssō, G3572), which also means 'to pierce' (as in John 19:34).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly illustrates the self-destructive consequences of sin, particularly idolatry (placing money above God). It teaches that turning from God to pursue worldly desires does not merely lead to external trouble but internally 'pierces' the soul with profound grief and regret. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of 1 Timothy 6:10 by emphasizing that the pain of covetousness is not incidental but a direct, penetrating wound to one's spiritual well-being.

The literal meaning, 'to put on a spit,' draws from the common ancient practice of roasting meat. This visceral image would have been immediately understood by a first-century audience, making the metaphorical use for deep emotional pain very striking. It conveys a sense of being utterly transfixed and tormented by one's own actions, a concept more graphic than many modern expressions of regret.

νύσσω (nyssō, G3572) — to pierce or stab, often physically (John 19:34); τιτρώσκω (titrōskō, G5180) — to wound or injure, typically in a physical sense; ὀδυνάω (odynaō, G3600) — to cause pain or torment, more general emotional distress.

Word Details

Scripture References