περιτρέχω (peritrechō)
peritrechō
to run around
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peritrechō means to run around or move about rapidly. It combines a prefix meaning "around" with a root meaning "to run," creating an image of hurried, circular movement. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Mark’s Gospel.
Mark uses it to describe the crowds’ reaction to Jesus’ ministry. When news spread that he was nearby, people from surrounding villages carried their sick on mats and laid them in the marketplaces. The text says they ran around (peritrechō) ahead of him to clear a path or ensure they could reach him as he passed through towns and villages like Bethsaida and Capernaum.
This single usage highlights the intensity of the people’s desire for healing. They did not wait passively but actively moved ahead, creating space for Jesus to minister. The word captures both physical speed and urgent purpose, showing how deeply the crowd valued his presence and power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When news of Jesus’ presence spread, people did not wait passively for help to arrive at their doorstep. Instead, they moved with urgent purpose, clearing paths and gathering in marketplaces so that those who were sick could be brought to Him. This vivid image reminds us that faith often involves active participation rather than passive waiting.
Your spiritual life does not require perfection before you approach God, but it does invite your whole heart. Like the crowds in Mark’s Gospel, you can bring your burdens directly to Jesus, trusting that He is willing to meet you where you are. There is no need to clean up your circumstances first; simply come as you are.
This word encourages us to be intentional about seeking God’s presence. Whether you are facing physical illness or emotional heaviness, know that your desire for healing and peace is seen and valued. You are invited to move toward Him with confidence, knowing that His grace is sufficient for every need.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they ran around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιέδραμον1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:55
and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick on their mats to where they heard he was.
This verse captures the urgent, active faith of the crowds who moved ahead of Jesus to ensure the sick could reach Him.