περιφέρω

I carry around, am driven to and fro

Definition

The verb περιφέρω means 'to carry around' or 'to bear about' something, either literally or metaphorically. In its literal sense, it describes physically carrying an object from place to place, as seen when people 'carried about' the sick on mats to reach Jesus (Mark 6:55). Metaphorically, it describes being 'driven to and fro' by shifting doctrines or circumstances, conveying a sense of instability and lack of grounding, such as being 'tossed to and fro' by every wind of teaching (Ephesians 4:14) or being carried about by strange teachings (Hebrews 13:9).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative, epistolary, and general letter contexts. In Mark 6:55, it describes the literal action of carrying the sick. In the epistles, it is used metaphorically for spiritual or doctrinal instability: Paul speaks of 'always carrying in the body the death of Jesus' (2 Corinthians 4:10), the Ephesians are warned against being doctrinal driftwood (Ephesians 4:14), the Hebrews are cautioned against being carried about by strange teachings (Hebrews 13:9), and Jude describes false teachers as 'waterless clouds, swept along by winds' (Jude 1:12).

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around, about,' and the common verb φέρω (pherō), meaning 'to bear, carry, bring.' Thus, its core meaning is 'to bear around.' This construction emphasizes motion in various directions or a state of being conveyed from one place to another.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly contrasts the stability found in Christ with the spiritual instability of false teaching or a faith not grounded in truth. The metaphorical usage warns believers against doctrinal passivity and highlights the need for spiritual discernment and maturity to avoid being spiritually adrift. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the active danger of theological drift and the call to be firmly rooted.

In the ancient world, being 'carried about' could imply being at the mercy of external forces, like a ship without a rudder or a person without a fixed home. This imagery of helpless motion would have been a powerful metaphor for listeners familiar with the perils of sea travel or the insecurity of life without stable community or teaching.

φέρω (pherō, G5342) — The root verb meaning simply 'to bear, carry,' without the connotation of circular or aimless motion. μεταφέρω (metapherō, G3346) — Means 'to transfer, carry over,' implying movement from one specific place to another. πλανάω (planaō, G4105) — Means 'to lead astray, deceive,' focusing on the error caused, while περιφέρω focuses on the unstable motion itself.

Word Details

Scripture References