πέρυσι

last year

Definition

The Greek word πέρυσι is an adverb meaning 'last year' or 'a year ago.' It denotes a specific point in the recent past, precisely one year prior to the time of speaking or writing. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians to refer to a past initiative. In 2 Corinthians 8:10, he reminds the church that they were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so 'last year.' In 2 Corinthians 9:2, he boasts to the Macedonians about the Achaians' readiness from 'a year ago,' using the past commitment to spur on present action.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in 2 Corinthians (8:10 and 9:2). Paul employs it in the context of discussing the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. His usage is strategic: he references the Corinthians' past enthusiasm and commitment ('from last year') to encourage them to complete their present generous work. It serves as a rhetorical anchor point to contrast past intention with present follow-through.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root *per-* (found in words like πέραν, 'beyond'), πέρυσι literally means 'beyond the year' or 'of the past year.' It is an ancient and straightforward temporal adverb with cognates in other Indo-European languages. Its meaning remained stable, simply indicating the prior year.

Semantic Range

While a simple temporal marker, πέρυσι gains theological significance through its context in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Paul uses it to highlight the relationship between past promise and present faithfulness in Christian stewardship. It underscores that genuine grace-giving involves not just initial eagerness but sustained completion (2 Corinthians 8:10-11). Understanding this temporal reference enriches the reading by showing Paul's pastoral method of appealing to a community's own history of good intention to motivate faithful action.

In the Greco-Roman world, referencing a commitment from 'last year' carried a strong social weight, akin to a debt of honor or a promise that needed fulfillment to maintain one's reputation and social standing. Paul leverages this cultural understanding of obligation and consistency, framing the Corinthian's past pledge not just as a forgotten idea but as an ongoing moral and communal responsibility.

πρότερον (proteron, G4386) — a more general term for 'formerly' or 'before,' without the specific one-year precision of πέρυσι.

Word Details

Scripture References