περιβλέπω (periblepō)
periblepō
to look around
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb periblepō describes the physical act of looking around or scanning one’s surroundings. It combines a prefix meaning "around" with a root for "seeing," creating a vivid image of turning the head to take in everything visible at a moment. In the New Testament, this action often signals a pause in movement to assess a situation or locate someone specific.
Jesus uses this gesture frequently to convey authority and awareness. In Mark 3:5 and Luke 6:10, He looks around at those present before healing, a deliberate survey that emphasizes His knowledge of their conditions. Similarly, in Mark 11:11, He surveys the temple courts, taking stock of the environment before acting. These instances show the word is not merely casual glancing but a purposeful observation.
Translators typically render periblepō as "looked around" or "looked about," preserving the literal sense of visual scanning. The term appears seven times in the Gospels, primarily in Mark and Luke, where it helps ground Jesus’ actions in tangible, observable reality. This concrete detail invites readers to visualize the scenes as unfolding in real time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word periblepō describes a deliberate act of looking around. It is not a casual glance but a purposeful survey of one’s surroundings. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this gesture to assess situations and connect with people. This simple action reveals His full awareness of those present and His intentionality in ministry.
When Jesus looked around at the man with the withered hand, He saw not just a physical condition but the hardening of hearts nearby (Mark 3:5). This moment shows that God sees everything—our needs, our struggles, and the attitudes of those around us. His gaze is never indifferent; it is attentive and purposeful.
For your faith, this word reminds you that you are fully seen by Christ. In moments of confusion or need, He surveys the situation with perfect knowledge. You do not have to hide your struggles from Him. His attention to detail in biblical accounts invites us to trust that He notices every aspect of our lives and acts with wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having looked around on3×
- having looked around3×
- He was looking around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιβλεψάμενος5×
- περιεβλέπετο1×
- περιβλεψάμενοι1×
Key Verses
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Mark 3:5
When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.
This occurrence highlights Jesus' emotional response—anger and grief—as He surveys the crowd before healing, showing His deep concern for spiritual hardness.
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Mark 10:23
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!”
Here, the look around precedes a profound teaching on wealth, indicating He is observing the disciples' reactions to assess their understanding of the Kingdom.
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Luke 6:10
He looked around at them all, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his hand was restored as sound as the other.
Similar to Mark 3:5 but in Luke's account, this look serves as a deliberate pause before healing, emphasizing Jesus' authority and compassion in a public setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does periblepō mean in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus look around in the Gospels?
How is periblepō different from simply 'seeing'?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Mark 6 verses
When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man,…
Mark 3:34Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
Mark 5:32He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
Mark 9:8Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only.
Mark 10:23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s…
Mark 11:11Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out…