πέριξ (perix)
perix
around
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb perix means "around" or "on all sides," describing spatial proximity in a way that suggests encircling or surrounding a central point. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 5:16, where it modifies the location of the people coming to Jesus.
In this specific instance, the text notes that multitudes gathered from the "neighboring cities" (literally, "the cities around") surrounding Jerusalem. The word emphasizes the geographic reach of the event, highlighting that the healing ministry extended beyond the city limits to the immediate rural and urban areas nearby. It paints a picture of a crowd coming from every direction toward a single center.
Its etymology links it to the preposition peri ("around"), reinforcing its sense of circular or encompassing space. While simple in meaning, its singular use underscores the widespread attention drawn to the early church's activities in Jerusalem. Translators typically render it as "neighboring" or "surrounding" to convey this local but comprehensive gathering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perix paints a picture of gathering from every direction. In Acts 5:16, it describes people coming from the cities around Jerusalem. This simple term shows that Jesus’ healing power reached far beyond the city walls. It was not limited to one place but extended to all who were near.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s care is wide and inclusive. No matter where you are, you are within reach of His grace. The early church saw multitudes drawn together by hope. This word invites you to see yourself as part of that larger circle of people seeking help.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- surrounding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πέριξ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:16
The multitude also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits; and they were all healed.
This verse uses perix to specify that the crowds came from surrounding cities, showing the broad geographic reach of Jesus' healing ministry.