περιποιέω (peripoieō)
peripoieō
to gain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peripoieō carries the core sense of acquiring or gaining possession of something valuable. In its middle voice form, it often implies securing a benefit for oneself, whether by purchase, effort, or preservation. The word appears in only three New Testament passages, yet its usage highlights a significant shift from simple ownership to deep, personal care.
In Acts 20:28, the term describes how church leaders should shepherd their congregations because God acquired them through His own blood. Here, it emphasizes that believers are not merely owned but have been purchased at great cost. Similarly, in Luke 17:33, Jesus uses a related form to speak of preserving one’s life, suggesting that true gain comes from holding onto spiritual reality rather than clinging to earthly existence.
The word’s root suggests making something remain over or keeping it safe for oneself. This nuance distinguishes it from generic terms for acquiring goods; peripoieō implies a lasting, intentional act of securing what matters most. Translators often render it as "gained" or "acquired," but the underlying image is one of careful preservation and valued possession.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peripoieō reminds us that our value comes from being carefully acquired by God. In Acts 20:28, Peter tells leaders to care for the church because God purchased it with His own blood. This is not a casual transaction but a costly act of love that establishes a permanent bond between the Creator and His people.
Jesus also uses this concept in Luke 17:33 to show how we should view our lives. He teaches that holding tightly to earthly security often leads to loss, while surrendering everything to Him brings true preservation. When we trust God with our future, He secures what is most important for our eternal good.
Paul adds in 1 Timothy 3:13 that faithful service leads to a 'good standing' in the faith. This gain is not about worldly status but about growing deeper in confidence and character as we follow Christ. God’s acquisition of us is meant to shape us into people who reflect His love and truth in everyday life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to gain1×
- acquire1×
- He purchased1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιποιήσασθαι1×
- περιποιοῦνται1×
- περιεποιήσατο1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:28
Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
The word highlights that the church was purchased at the highest possible cost, emphasizing God's personal investment in believers.
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Luke 17:33
Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it.
Jesus contrasts losing life by clinging to it with preserving it through surrender, showing that true gain comes from trusting God.
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I Timothy 3:13
For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Paul links faithful service with gaining a 'good standing,' indicating that spiritual growth and boldness are the result of being God's possession.