περιοικέω (perioikeō)
perioikeō
to dwell around
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb perioikeō describes the act of dwelling around or being a neighbor to someone. It combines the prefix peri, meaning "around," with oikeō, which relates to inhabiting a house or living in a place. This construction paints a vivid picture of people who live in the immediate vicinity, forming a close-knit community surrounding a central figure.
Its single New Testament appearance occurs in Luke 1:65, where the Gospel writer notes that all the neighbors and those who lived around Zechariah were filled with fear after John’s birth. The term emphasizes physical proximity and social connection, highlighting how significant events within a family ripple outward to affect those living nearby.
While the word does not appear frequently in Scripture, its usage underscores the communal nature of biblical society. In ancient villages, neighbors were not distant acquaintances but integral parts of daily life, sharing both joys and solemn moments. This lexical choice reminds readers that faith and divine action often unfold within the context of human relationships.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perioikeō paints a picture of people living in close proximity, forming a community that surrounds a central family. In Luke’s Gospel, this term describes the neighbors and relatives who lived near Zechariah and Elizabeth. When John the Baptist was born, their lives were disrupted by a profound sense of awe. This shows us that significant moments in one household often ripple outward, touching those who live nearby.
For your own life, this reminds you that faith is rarely a solitary experience. Your spiritual journey is intertwined with the people around you—your neighbors, coworkers, and friends. When God moves in your life, it naturally affects your community. You are part of a wider circle where joy, fear, and wonder can be shared. This connection encourages us to view our daily interactions as opportunities for divine impact.
Even when events seem small or private, they hold weight for those watching. The neighbors in Judea did not just observe; they felt fear and talked about what happened. This suggests that your actions and experiences matter to others. You do not walk alone. Your life is lived within a web of relationships where God’s work can be seen and discussed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dwelling around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιοικοῦντας1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:65
Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
This verse uses the word to describe how the birth of John triggered a communal response of fear and discussion among those living in the immediate vicinity of Zechariah's home.