περικρατής (perikratēs)
perikratēs
in control of
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective perikratēs describes a state of having complete command or mastery over something. Occurring only once in the New Testament at Acts 27:16, it depicts the Apostle Paul and his companions struggling against a violent storm. The text notes that they barely managed to secure the ship’s lifeboat because they were not yet fully in control of the situation.
Its meaning derives from two parts: peri, meaning "around," and krates, meaning "strength" or "power." Together, they suggest a power that surrounds or encompasses an object entirely. This rare word emphasizes total dominion, distinguishing it from partial influence. In this single biblical instance, the negative context highlights how human effort falls short of such absolute control when faced with overwhelming natural forces.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perikratēs appears just once in Scripture, in Acts 27:16. It describes a state of complete control or mastery. In that moment, Paul and his companions were barely securing the lifeboat against a violent storm. They were not yet fully in command of the situation.
This rare term reminds us that human strength often falls short when facing overwhelming forces. We do not have total dominion over every circumstance. Yet, even in our lack of control, God’s presence remains steady. His power surrounds us, offering stability when we feel fragile.
When life feels chaotic, remember that you are not alone. Trust in the One who holds all things together. Peace comes not from mastering every detail, but from resting in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- control1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περικρατεῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:16
Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
This verse uses perikratēs to show that even with effort, the crew was not yet fully in control of the storm.