περιαιρέω (periaireō)
periaireō
to take away
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb periaireō means to remove what surrounds or covers something, effectively stripping it away. In the New Testament, this physical sense appears in practical contexts, such as when sailors cast off their anchor (Acts 27:40) or when a ring is taken from a hand. The word implies a decisive removal of an external layer or attachment.
< p>The sources highlight a significant metaphorical use in Hebrews 10:11, where the sacrifices of priests are said to "take away" sins. Here, the term suggests removing the guilt or burden entirely, rather than just covering it. This usage connects to the idea of expiation, pointing to a complete removal of sin’s hold.Its root combines peri ("around") and airō ("to take"), emphasizing the action of clearing away what encircles a person or object. While less common than other words for forgiveness, its imagery is vivid: it depicts sin not merely pardoned but physically removed from view, as if lifted off the soul.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word periaireō paints a vivid picture of decisive removal. It describes taking away what surrounds or covers something, stripping it off completely. In Acts, we see sailors casting off anchors to make for the beach, and in Corinthians, Paul speaks of a veil being taken away when hearts turn to the Lord. These images show that God does not just hide our problems; He removes them.
This word carries deep comfort for your faith. When Hebrews 10:11 contrasts old sacrifices with Christ’s work, it highlights that Jesus’ offering actually takes away sins rather than merely covering them. This means the burden you carry is lifted entirely. You are not left to manage the weight of guilt alone.
There is hope in this complete removal. The same God who clears the veil from your eyes and casts off the anchors of your storms promises to remove what hinders your peace. Rest in the assurance that His grace deals with sin at its root, leaving you free to walk forward without the heavy load of the past.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was abandoned1×
- to take away1×
- is taken away1×
- having taken off1×
- having cut away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιελόντες2×
- περιῃρεῖτο1×
- περιελεῖν1×
- περιαιρεῖται1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 3:16
But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
This verse shows the word describing the removal of a veil, symbolizing how turning to the Lord brings immediate clarity and freedom from spiritual blindness.
-
Hebrews 10:11
Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and offering often the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,
Here the word contrasts with old sacrifices by emphasizing that Christ’s work actually takes away sins completely, rather than just covering them temporarily.
-
Acts 27:40
Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
This practical usage of casting off anchors illustrates the decisive action of removing physical restraints to move toward safety and land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does periaireō mean in the Bible?
How is periaireō different from other words for forgiveness?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Acts 3 verses
When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved…
Acts 27:40Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail…
Acts 28:13From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we…