περιφέρω (peripherō)
peripherō
to carry (around)
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peripherō means to carry something around or bear it about everywhere. In the Gospels, it describes a physical action where people bring the sick to Jesus, carrying them through villages so that even the shadow of his passing might heal them (Mark 6:55). The word emphasizes the act of transporting goods or people from place to place.
In the New Testament, it also appears in a metaphorical sense. Paul uses it to describe how believers carry the death of Jesus in their bodies, making his life visible to others (2 Corinthians 4:10). In Ephesians, the passive form describes those who are tossed about by every wind of doctrine, driven here and there without stability (Ephesians 4:14). This usage highlights a state of being moved or influenced by external forces rather than carrying an object.
The word combines peri, meaning around, and pherō, meaning to carry. Its range spans from literal transport to spiritual instability. Translators often render it as "carry about" or "tossed to and fro," depending on whether the context is physical movement or doctrinal uncertainty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word περιφέρω (peripherō) captures the physical act of carrying something from place to place, but it also reveals a deeper spiritual reality about how we live out our faith. In Mark's Gospel, people carried the sick to Jesus, trusting that even His shadow could bring healing. This shows us that bringing our burdens and needs to Christ is an act of profound trust. We are invited to carry our struggles to Him, knowing He meets us in our vulnerability.
Paul uses this same word in a different way to describe the Christian life. He speaks of carrying the death of Jesus in our bodies so that His life becomes visible to others. This is not about being tossed around by every new idea or trend, but about bearing the weight of Christ's presence with stability and purpose. It reminds us that our lives are meant to reflect Him, even when we face hardship.
When we feel unstable or uncertain, this word offers a gentle invitation. Instead of being driven by external forces, we can choose to carry the peace of Jesus with us. This brings a quiet strength to our daily walk, grounding us in His love rather than the shifting winds of the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to carry about1×
- carrying around,1×
- being carried about1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιφέροντες,1×
- περιφέρειν1×
- περιφερόμενοι1×
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 shows the physical act of bringing the sick to Jesus, highlighting the trust people placed in His healing power.
-
II Corinthians 4:10
always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Paul uses this word metaphorically to describe how believers bear the marks of Jesus' suffering so His life shines through them.
-
Ephesians 4:14
that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
The passive form here warns against being unstable and easily influenced by false teachings, contrasting with the stability found in Christ.