περιτίθημι

I put around, bestow

Definition

The verb περιτίθημι literally means 'to place around' or 'to put around' something. In its physical sense, it describes the act of putting an object around another, such as placing a hedge around a vineyard (Matthew 21:33, Mark 12:1) or putting a scarlet robe around Jesus (Matthew 27:28). Figuratively, it extends to the concept of bestowing or conferring honor, care, or attention upon someone or something, as seen when Paul speaks of bestowing greater honor on the less presentable parts of the body (1 Corinthians 12:23).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used eight times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels' Passion narratives and one parable. In the Synoptic Gospels, it appears in the parable of the wicked tenants, describing a landlord who 'put a hedge around' his vineyard (Matthew 21:33, Mark 12:1). Its most frequent usage is during Jesus's crucifixion, where soldiers 'put around' him a scarlet robe (Matthew 27:28, Mark 15:17) and someone 'put around' a sponge on a reed to offer him a drink (Matthew 27:48, Mark 15:36, John 19:29). The sole non-Gospel use is in 1 Corinthians 12:23, where it is used metaphorically for bestowing honor.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' and the common verb τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning 'to put' or 'to place.' Its construction is straightforward, combining these elements to create the sense of 'placing around.' This literal meaning is consistently the foundation for both its physical and figurative applications in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

The use of περιτίθημι in the crucifixion scenes is theologically significant. The soldiers' act of putting a robe around Jesus (Matthew 27:28) was a mockery of kingship, ironically highlighting his true identity as the King of Kings. Furthermore, Paul's metaphorical use in 1 Corinthians 12:23 to describe how the church should 'bestow greater honor' on the weaker members underscores a core Christian ethic of inverted honor, where the community actively elevates those the world might deem less honorable, reflecting the nature of Christ's body.

In the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33), putting a hedge or wall around a vineyard was a standard agricultural practice for protection, marking clear ownership and care for the valuable asset. The act of putting a robe on someone, as done to Jesus, was a recognized gesture in Roman culture for mocking or parodying royalty, which the soldiers employed to ridicule his claim to be 'King of the Jews.'

ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi, G2007) — means to lay or place upon, often with a sense of imposition or addition, rather than surrounding. τίθημι (tithēmi, G5087) — the root verb meaning simply to put, place, or set, without the 'around' connotation. περιβάλλω (periballō, G4016) — also means to put around or clothe, often used specifically for putting on garments.

Word Details

Scripture References