περισπάω

I distract, trouble greatly

Definition

The verb περισπάω (perispaō) means to be drawn or pulled away in different directions, resulting in distraction or being troubled. It carries the sense of being overburdened or anxious due to competing demands or concerns. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 10:40, it describes Martha's state of being 'distracted' or 'pulled away' by her many tasks of hospitality, contrasting with Mary's focused attention on Jesus. While the core meaning is distraction, the intensity implies a significant mental or emotional burden, not merely a minor interruption.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 10:40, within the narrative of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. It describes Martha's inner state as she is overwhelmed by the many preparations for serving. The context highlights a contrast between active service and spiritual attentiveness. The usage is specific to a narrative about discipleship priorities and the anxiety that can accompany service.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'about,' combined with the verb σπάω (spaō), meaning 'to draw' or 'to pull.' The compound literally means 'to draw or pull around,' picturing someone being pulled in multiple directions. This vivid imagery evolved into the metaphorical meaning of being mentally distracted or troubled by many concerns.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures a specific spiritual danger: being so consumed by legitimate acts of service and duty that one becomes distracted from the primary call to sit at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:39-42). It enriches the reading of this passage by highlighting that Jesus identifies Martha's problem not as her service, but as the inner anxiety and divided attention ('being pulled apart') that her service has produced. It speaks to the Christian struggle between devotion and distraction, emphasizing the priority of Christ's presence over busyness.

In the cultural context of hospitality in the ancient Near East, Martha's duties were highly valued and socially expected for a host. The word's use here subtly critiques a potential pitfall within that virtuous framework: allowing the performance of duty to create inner turmoil and distance from the guest of honor. The modern concept of 'multitasking' or being 'pulled in a million directions' captures a similar feeling, though the ancient context tied it more directly to social obligations and honor.

μεριμνάω (merimnaō, G3309) — denotes anxious thought or worry, focusing more on the internal feeling than the external cause of distraction. θορυβάζομαι (thorybazomai, G2350) — means to be troubled or in an uproar, often with a more public or noisy connotation.

Word Details

Scripture References