περιτρέπω

I turn, change

Definition

The verb περιτρέπω means to turn around, to change direction, or to cause a transformation. In its only New Testament occurrence, it carries the sense of turning someone aside from their course, specifically of driving someone to madness or irrationality (Acts 26:24). This meaning extends from the core idea of a physical or metaphorical reversal. While not used elsewhere in the NT, its root sense implies a complete change in state or perspective, akin to an overturning.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 26:24. Festus interrupts Paul's defense before King Agrippa, exclaiming, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad (περιτρέπει σε)." Here, it is used in a metaphorical and intense sense, suggesting that Paul's profound reasoning is perceived as turning him aside into a state of apparent insanity. The context is a legal defense where Paul's spiritual testimony is misunderstood as madness by a Roman official.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'about,' and the verb τρέπω (trepō), meaning 'to turn' or 'to direct.' The compound thus literally means 'to turn around' or 'to cause to turn.' Cognates include τροπή (tropē, a turning) and τρόπος (tropos, a way or manner). The meaning developed from a physical turning to include metaphorical changes of mind or state.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word highlights a key theme in Acts: the clash between divine wisdom and human perception. Paul's gospel, rooted in the resurrection (Acts 26:23), is so revolutionary that it is mistaken for madness by the worldly-wise Festus. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by capturing the intensity of the accusation—it's not just confusion, but a charge that Paul's entire mind has been 'turned around' or overthrown by his beliefs. It underscores how the message of the cross can appear as folly to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18).

In the Greco-Roman world, accusations of madness were serious, often used to dismiss philosophical or religious claims that challenged conventional wisdom. For Festus, a Roman governor, Paul's talk of a resurrected Jewish king (Jesus) likely seemed like superstitious fanaticism. The cultural context shows that Paul's defense was not just a theological argument but a plea to be heard as a rational person within a system that valued order and reason.

μεταστρέφω (metastrephō, G3344) — emphasizes a change or transformation in nature or character. στρέφω (strephō, G4762) — a more general term for turning or twisting, often physical. μετανοέω (metanoeō, G3340) — specifically to change one's mind, repent.

Word Details

Scripture References