περίψημα

scrapings, offscourings

Definition

περίψημα refers to something scraped or wiped off, specifically the filth or refuse that is removed in cleaning. In its literal sense, it means 'scrapings' or 'offscourings,' the worthless residue left after scrubbing a vessel or cleaning a surface. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:13 to describe how he and his fellow apostles are viewed by the world—as the lowest, most despised refuse of society. This single biblical occurrence carries the powerful figurative meaning of being treated as the vilest outcasts.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 4:13. Paul employs it in a list of harsh descriptions to illustrate the apostles' suffering and dishonor for the sake of the gospel. The context is Paul defending his apostolic ministry against critics in Corinth, contrasting the world's shameful view of the apostles with their true, faithful service to Christ. The usage is entirely metaphorical, describing social and spiritual contempt.

Etymology

Derived from περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'about,' and the root related to ψάω (psaō), meaning 'to rub' or 'to wipe.' It literally denotes what is rubbed or wiped off all around something, hence 'scrapings.' The related verb περιψήχω (peripsēchō) means 'to wipe off all around.' The word vividly conveys the idea of the final, worthless residue from a cleaning process.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the radical humility and identification with Christ's suffering required in Christian ministry. Paul's use in 1 Corinthians 4:13 highlights the doctrine of the 'foolishness' of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) and the counter-cultural nature of discipleship, where worldly honor is exchanged for service. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the depth of the apostles' sacrifice and the upside-down values of God's kingdom, where the despised are chosen.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, 'offscourings' could refer to the literal filth scrubbed from pots or streets. More grimly, it was sometimes used for the lowest criminals or slaves who were sacrificed in pagan rituals to purify a city, literally treated as human refuse to be wiped away. This cultural background intensifies Paul's metaphor: he says he and the apostles are viewed not just as lowly, but as the vilest scum, sacrificed and discarded for the sake of others.

ἐξουθένημα (exouthenēma, G1848) — emphasizes being treated as nothing, despised; often paired with περίψημα in ancient literature. ἀποκάθαρμα (apokatharma, G4027) — means 'scapegoat' or 'sin-offering,' another term for a vile outcast (used in 1 Corinthians 4:13 in some manuscripts).

Word Details

Scripture References