περιούσιος (periousios)
periousios
special
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective periousios describes something that is one’s own possession, carrying the sense of being a special or treasured acquisition. Derived from words meaning "over" and "to be," it suggests a status that goes beyond the ordinary, marking something as distinctively held by its owner. In the New Testament, this rare word appears only once, in Titus 2:14, where it characterizes the people of God.
Its usage here echoes the Old Testament concept of Israel as a peculiar treasure, a chosen people set apart for divine ownership. Rather than implying mere exclusivity, the term emphasizes value and intimacy; these are those whom Christ purchased to be His own. The word highlights a relationship defined by possession and purpose, marking believers not just as followers but as a dedicated community belonging entirely to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word periousios paints a picture of deep belonging. It does not suggest that God keeps you at arm's length as a distant collector might keep an object in a glass case. Instead, it speaks of intimate ownership. Christ gave Himself to purchase this special people, marking us as His own treasure. This identity is rooted in grace, not in our own merit or perfection.
Being set apart for God means we are valued beyond measure. We are not just followers following rules; we are a community defined by His love and purpose. This truth offers profound comfort. You are known, chosen, and held securely by the One who redeemed you from sin.
This possession carries a clear purpose. Those who belong to God are called to be zealous for good works. Our lives should reflect the value we place on our relationship with Him. As we walk in this truth, we find strength to serve others and live out the faith that saves us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- specially chosen,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιούσιον,1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of periousios, where it defines believers as a people purified and purchased by Christ for His own special possession.